Yasuke: Shadow Samurai Assassin's Creed

Ubisoft's latest installment in the Assassin's Creed series is called Shadows. Yasuke, the protagonist of an upcoming video game, has sparked debates about his historical accuracy. Some wonder if he was really a samurai. However, Japanese historian Yu Hirayama is convinced that Yasuke was definitely a samurai who served Nobunaga. Historical documents show that Yasuke was given a scholarship, a house, and a sword, confirming that he was a samurai. Ubisoft's recent apology to Japanese fans added fuel to the fire when it comes to this interesting character.

The four-page message, available in English and Japanese, explains that Assassin's Creed Shadows is not intended to be a factual representation of history. Instead, it is billed as “compelling historical fiction set in feudal Japan”. Ubisoft wants players to be curious about the historical period that inspired the game and to explore it further. Gamers reacted differently to the message of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Some understood it to be historical fiction, but even more interested in the era that inspired the play. But some may still question how accurate the game is. In any case, Ubisoft's message is important, as it makes it clear that this is a game that focuses on an interesting historical period rather than an accurate historical reproduction.

The moderator team of r/assassinscreed said Ubisoft's message "made things worse" by adding to what they called "this boring, endlessly repetitive discussion" and giving users of the subreddit "one last reminder" of what the Assassin's Creed franchise is all about . It's interesting how debates about historical accuracy and representation in game narratives can be so closely related.

The question that arises is how far game developers should go in adapting history for the needs of the narrative and gameplay experience. Is it acceptable for historical events and figures to be adapted or even changed if it makes for a better gaming experience? Or should developers be more committed to historical reality, even if it means less freedom in game design?

These are questions that will continue to stir the minds of fans of the Assassin's Creed series and the wider gaming community. Ubisoft's message may just be another spark in the ongoing search for a balance between historical accuracy and creative freedom.

Here's the full statement from the r/assassinscreed moderator team:

Following the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we've seen a surge in individuals joining various online communities, including this subreddit, to discuss the game's historical accuracy. As we are all tired of this endless debate that has already been talked to death, and not to mention that the recent official statement from Ubisoft has made it even worse, we would like to remind the participants of these discussions one last time what this franchise is all about and why these the debates had no point at all, except to cover up bad intentions.

Assassin's Creed is historical fiction. This means that while some of the locations, events, and characters are based on reality and even have some focus on accuracy, their depictions are exaggerated for the sake of a more enjoyable video game. Although all of our player protagonists have been fictional so far, the introduction of Yasuke has led some to believe that the above rule does not apply. It is still on. Yasuke being a samurai, as confirmed by several prominent historians around the world, including from Japan, may not have played as big a role in the real world as he did in the Shadows game. No problem. It's just a video game. Just a warning: Assassin's Creed is not intended as a source of actual historical knowledge. It's designed to inspire your own outward exploration after immersing you in a flash of authenticity.

This is not the place to discuss the historical record. As fans, we understand that these games offer a fascinating glimpse into what historical environments might have been like. We enjoy comparing them to actual records, but we don't prioritize accuracy in this franchise. We play mainly for other reasons. If you wish to comment on your disappointment with the inclusion of Yasuke or other inaccuracies in Ubisoft's depiction of feudal Japan, please understand that this is not the correct forum for this discussion. If you want to share your frustration with this thread, we advise you to look elsewhere, away from this franchise and its communities.

Any further comments that challenge Yasuke's social status, disparage his inclusion in the game, or contain statements bordering on concern for historical accuracy will be removed and will result in a ban.

Just wanted to give you a heads up: Assassin's Creed Shadows officially releases on November 15th, 2024. If you pre-order the gold or ultimate edition, you'll get early access on November 12th. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5 and PC. If you're looking forward to this game, mark your calendar!