In the 16th century, an African man named Yasuke arrived in Japan with Jesuit missionaries. He later became a samurai under the feudal lord Oda Nobunaga, witnessing a pivotal moment in Japanese history during the Sengoku period. Fast forward to the present, Yasuke’s story is now at the center of a controversy surrounding cultural representation and historical authenticity in video games, particularly in the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows by French developer Ubisoft.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the 14th installment in the popular historical action-adventure series, is set in feudal Japan. Ubisoft Singapore spent two years developing the narrative arc of Yasuke, along with two in-game zones inspired by real-world locations. Despite fans’ requests for a Japanese setting, the game has faced backlash for featuring Yasuke as one of the playable protagonists alongside a fictional Japanese shinobi named Naoe.
The controversy led Ubisoft to clarify that the game is a work of historical fiction, not a factual representation of history or historical characters. The company urged players to refrain from harassing the game’s developers and emphasized their efforts to provide an immersive and respectful representation of feudal Japan.
During a recent media preview, The Straits Times experienced the game’s prologue, introducing the two protagonists, as well as a mid-game segment. Yasuke’s journey begins with a fateful encounter with Oda Nobunaga, while Naoe’s story revolves around revenge. The contrast between the characters extends to gameplay, with Yasuke focusing on direct combat and swordplay, and Naoe emphasizing stealth and assassination.
Ubisoft’s attention to detail in creating the game’s world includes historical elements like political hostages and traditional Japanese architecture. The game transforms Japanese landscapes into a creative playground for exploration, incorporating features like destructible shoji doors and hay stacks for safe landings.
The inclusion of Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has sparked diverse reactions, with some questioning his suitability as a samurai due to his non-Japanese background. Historians have defended Yasuke’s status as a samurai, but critics argue that a non-Japanese protagonist undermines the game’s authenticity.
Debates over racial representation in media are not new, with recent controversies arising from casting decisions in films and television shows. The backlash against Yasuke’s portrayal highlights the challenges of balancing storytelling with evolving audience sensibilities in historical fiction. This ongoing struggle, known as the “Tiffany problem,” reflects how historical accuracy can clash with modern perceptions.
Ubisoft’s approach to historical accuracy in Assassin’s Creed games involves collaborating with historians and experts to ensure authenticity while prioritizing storytelling. Previous entries in the series have faced similar challenges, such as reimagining ancient settings like Egypt and revolutionary France with limited historical information.
Despite the controversy surrounding Yasuke’s inclusion, many fans remain eager to experience Assassin’s Creed Shadows and judge its quality based on gameplay rather than preconceptions. The diverse perspectives on Yasuke’s role in the game highlight the complexities of representing history in fictional settings.
In conclusion, the debate over Yasuke’s portrayal in Assassin’s Creed Shadows underscores the delicate balance between historical accuracy and storytelling in video games. While controversies surrounding cultural representation are not uncommon, the unique narrative possibilities offered by characters like Yasuke add depth and intrigue to the gaming experience. As players await the game’s release, they anticipate a compelling adventure set in feudal Japan, rich in historical detail and immersive storytelling.