In Japan, Ubisoft’s upcoming video game Assassin’s Creed Shadows has sparked controversy due to a petition on Change.org that has gained over 45,000 signatures. The petition calls for the game to be canceled due to alleged historical and cultural inaccuracies. Many people are accusing Ubisoft of perpetuating misunderstandings about samurai and Japanese culture, viewing it as an insult and possibly racist towards Asians.
The petition’s authors demand the immediate cancellation of the game’s release. However, upon further examination, it is revealed that many of the petition’s signatories are not actually Japanese. Some comments come from individuals like Kenneth, an American soldier stationed in Okinawa, who feel offended by the alleged inaccuracies in the game.
Despite this revelation, the backlash against Ubisoft continues. The Japanese trailer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has received significant backlash on YouTube, with over 50,000 dislikes compared to just 5,000 likes. Comments on the video criticize Ubisoft for disrespecting Japanese culture and urge a boycott of the game.
Overall, the petition and backlash highlight the sensitivity around depictions of Japanese culture and history. Many are concerned about misrepresentations in entertainment media and are calling on companies like Ubisoft to be more mindful and respectful in their portrayals.