Yasuke: Shadow Samurai Assassin's Creed

Ubisoft's latest entry in the Assassin's Creed series is called Shadows. Yasuke, the protagonist of the upcoming video game, has sparked debates about his historical accuracy. Some question whether 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 Historical documents show that Yasuke was given a scholarship, a house, and a sword, confirming that he was a samurai.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 has added fuel to the fire when it comes to this intriguing character.

The four-page message, available in both English and Japanese, explains that Assassin's Creed Shadows is not intended to be a factual account of history. Instead, it's presented as "a 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. Players have responded to Assassin's Creed Shadows' message in a variety of ways. Some understood that it was historical fiction, but were more interested in the period that inspired the game. Others may still have doubts about 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, not an exact historical reproduction.

The r/assassinscreed moderator team said Ubisoft's post "made things worse" by contributing to what they called "this boring, endlessly repetitive discussion" and giving the subreddit's users "a final reminder" of what the Assassin's Creed franchise is. It's interesting how debates about historical accuracy and representation in gaming narratives can be so closely intertwined.

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 haunt Assassin's Creed fans and the wider gaming community, and Ubisoft's message may be just 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 the number of individuals joining various online communities, including this subreddit, to discuss the game's historical accuracy. Since we're all tired of this endless debate, which has already been talked about to death, not to mention that it's been made worse by the recent official statement from Ubisoft, we'd like to remind the participants of these discussions one last time what the point of this franchise is and why these discussions have no point at all, other than 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 real life and even have some degree of accuracy, their depictions are exaggerated for the sake of a more enjoyable video game. While all of our player characters have been fictional so far, the introduction of Yasuke has led some to believe that the above rule doesn't apply. It still does. Yasuke, who is a samurai, as confirmed by several reputable historians around the world, including from Japan, may not have played as big a role in the real world as he does in Shadows. No problem. It's just a video game. Just a heads-up: Assassin's Creed is not intended to be a source of actual historical knowledge. It's designed to inspire your own outside exploration after immersing you in a glimpse 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 let you know: 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'll be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, and PC. If you're looking forward to this game, mark your calendars!