Ubisoft has responded once again to the backlash surrounding the Black protagonist, Yasuke, in its upcoming game Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The controversy began after the game’s announcement in May, with some critics accusing Ubisoft of a lack of historical accuracy and forced diversity.
This backlash included debates about whether Yasuke, a Black samurai, was a real historical figure, which he was. Alongside this, Ubisoft faced criticism for the unauthorized use of a flag in the game’s concept art.
Ubisoft has stood its ground against these criticisms, with notable responses from its leadership. In June, Assassin’s Creed executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté responded directly to Elon Musk, accusing him of “feeding hatred.” Meanwhile, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot condemned “hateful acts” directed at developers.
In July, Ubisoft defended the historical authenticity of the game, reminding fans that although the series is inspired by real historical events, it remains a work of fiction.
Recently, Guillemot addressed the ongoing controversy during a financial meeting, where he shifted to a more neutral tone. He acknowledged that there has been a “problem of perception” impacting Ubisoft’s performance but emphasized that the company’s goal is to entertain the broadest audience.
He reiterated that Ubisoft is not pushing any specific agenda through its games, but is focused on creating enjoyable experiences for a diverse audience.
While Guillemot didn’t directly reference the Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversy in his remarks, it is widely assumed that he was alluding to it. The company has faced polarized reactions, and despite Ubisoft’s efforts to clarify its position, it appears that the controversy continues to cloud discussions about the game. The focus has remained on Yasuke’s ethnicity rather than the game itself.
As the game’s release date has been pushed back to February 14, 2025, it remains to be seen if Ubisoft’s efforts to address the criticism will succeed in shifting the conversation away from the controversy. The company seems intent on reframing the discussion, but further comments may only serve to keep the debate alive.
