Prepare for the much-anticipated launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, a game that has sparked significant debate over its portrayal of Japanese culture during development.
Upon its announcement, players swiftly raised concerns regarding historical inaccuracies in Ubisoft’s representation of feudal Japan, specifically highlighted in early footage of the game. A particular point of contention was the depiction of Yasuke, one of the game’s protagonists, who is shown as a Samurai, a claim that has been disputed by some historians.
This controversy led to calls for a boycott within Japan, including a widely circulated petition that received over 100,000 signatures demanding the cancellation of the game’s development. In response, Ubisoft stated they collaborated with cultural experts to craft the game world, reiterating that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is ultimately a work of fiction.
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows team has a message for our Japanese community. pic.twitter.com/AIyWNU9YhG
— Assassin’s Creed (@assassinscreed) July 23, 2024
As the release date approaches, insights into how Japanese gamers are actually reacting to the game are becoming clearer.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Top Seller in Japan Amid Controversy
Surprisingly, the pre-release phase indicates that Japanese gamers are far from avoiding Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.
Currently, the game ranks as the third best-selling game on Amazon Japan, trailing only Monster Hunter Wilds and Split Fiction. It’s also among the top sellers on various online platforms, including Rakuten.
This suggests that concerns regarding character designs and cultural representation have not deterred Japanese players. The game has seen substantial pre-orders, establishing it as one of the top-selling titles of recent weeks.
However, only time will reveal how authentic the game’s cultural portrayal truly is, and the judgment will largely fall to individuals well-versed in Japanese culture. Nevertheless, the ongoing debate does not seem to dampen the excitement surrounding the release.
Gamers in select regions can begin pre-loading Assassin’s Creed Shadows ahead of its official launch on March 20, or late on March 19 in some locations. For detailed information on pre-load availability in your region, refer to our complete AC Shadows pre-load and release guide. The game is Steam Deck Verified.
Frequently Asked Questions about Assassin’s Creed Shadows
What is the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to release on March 20, 2024, with some regions allowing pre-loads starting late on March 19.
How has the Japanese community reacted to Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Despite initial controversies, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has seen strong pre-orders in Japan and is currently a top-selling game across platforms.
Are there any cultural controversies surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Yes, the depiction of Yasuke as a Samurai sparked debates about historical accuracy, leading to calls for boycotts, though many players continue to show strong interest in the game.
Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows available for pre-order?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be pre-ordered now, and players are encouraged to check various retailers for availability.