In an official government conference on March 19, 2025, Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, responded to a question about the much-anticipated video game Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan. His remarks come at a time of heightened sensitivity surrounding the game's portrayals, which many fear might influence real-life behaviors.
Reports have indicated that Ishiba addressed concerns raised by Hiroyuki Kada, a member of the House of Councillors, who voiced unease over allowing players to attack and destroy real-world locations within the game. Kada expressed, "I fear that allowing players to attack and destroy real-world locations in the game without permission could encourage similar behavior in real life. Shrine officials and local residents are also worried about this. Of course, freedom of expression must be respected, but acts that demean local cultures should be avoided." His comments refer specifically to the portrayal of shrines in the game, particularly the Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, which he represents.
Prime Minister Ishiba responded emphatically, stating, "Defacing a shrine is out of the question - it is an insult to the nation itself. Respecting the culture and religion of a country is fundamental, and we must make it clear that we will not simply accept acts that disregard them." Ishiba's comments underscore the government’s commitment to protecting cultural integrity, reflecting a broader tension around video game narratives that intersect with real-world history and tradition.
Despite the controversy, Ubisoft has taken steps to address concerns surrounding the game's accuracy and depiction of Japanese culture. The company has issued multiple apologies, acknowledging that some elements of their promotional materials may have caused distress among Japanese citizens. Notably, Ubisoft confessed to using a flag from a Japanese historical reenactment group in the game's art without permission.
Furthermore, a collectible figure maker, PureArts, recently withdrew a statue tied to Assassin's Creed Shadows due to its representation of a one-legged Torii gate, an emblem with profound cultural significance. Torii gates serve as a boundary between the human and sacred worlds, and misrepresenting them can resonate poorly with local sentiments.
In response to the feedback, and to further soften the blow of its narrative choices, Ubisoft announced a day-one patch for the game, releasing on March 20, 2025. Reports indicate that this patch will make in-game tables and shelving located in shrines indestructible, reducing non-essential depictions of bloodshed occurring in sacred spaces, a significant move towards mitigating the growing backlash.
This game, which has been heavily awaited, is not only crucial from a narrative perspective but also a significant risk for Ubisoft as a company. Following a rough patch marked by the failures of its previous titles, including Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontier of Pandora, Ubisoft’s current share price struggles amidst takeover rumors and ongoing court issues concerning allegations of workplace misconduct and sexual harassment further complicate matters.
Originally founded in 1986 by the five Guillemot brothers, Ubisoft has risen to become one of the largest video game developers globally, renowned for flagship franchises like Assassin's Creed. However, as of now, their stock has plummeted drastically from an all-time high of €102.95 to just €12.58, prompting fears of a potential takeover.
Market analysts have pointed to Ubisoft's overly ambitious growth strategies and the hiring of nearly 8000 employees in just five years without a corresponding rise in revenue as causes for alarm. The freshly announced title, Assassin's Creed Shadows, aims to address both financial and reputational losses as it seeks to reaffirm the franchise’s significance in the gaming sector.
Unbeknownst to some, the game's elaborate setting allows players to navigate the rich 16th-century landscape of Japan, introducing characters such as Yasuke, a samurai for warlord Nobunaga, and Naoe, a teenager from Iga province. This dual-protagonist narrative reportedly enhances the gameplay's depth, with equally important focus on combat mechanics and immersive storytelling.
The developers have promised an intricate combat system, encouraging a shift from mindless button-mashing to calculated strategies. The game also utilizes innovations such as a grappling hook, allowing players greater maneuverability within the expansive world while retaining the iconic parkour style characteristic of the franchise.
Early reviews have already begun to emerge, with IGN rating the game 8 out of 10, praising its refined systems and visuals. However, external factors remain critical as Ubisoft's performance on the global stage is at stake, particularly given the concurrent pressures from declining stock performance and a skeptical gaming community reacting to their marketing approach.
As launch day approaches, all eyes will be firmly locked on Assassin's Creed Shadows. Will it deliver on its ambitious promises while respecting the cultural underpinnings of its setting? Or will its release spell continued trouble for Ubisoft? Only time will tell.
