Assassin's Creed Shadows Slammed for Historical Errors and Unauthorized Material

French company Ubisoft's game Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) is an upcoming action role-playing game. Set in Japan during the Sengoku period (15th-16th centuries), the game features Yasuke, a Black man who served Oda Nobunaga, as one of its main characters. Ubisoft will release the game on March 20.

The game includes several depictions that diverge from historical facts, such as portraying Yasuke as a powerful samurai. Since the first trailer release in 2024, many have expressed concern that people overseas may mistake these inaccuracies for historical facts.

With the release date approaching, a new issue has emerged over the game's use of a real-life shrine without permission. Criticism erupted on social media after footage showed Yasuke entering the shrine and destroying its altar. In response, a representative from the shrine told The Sankei Shimbun, "We will take appropriate action."

'Offensive to Shinto'

The shrine in question is Itatehyouzu Shrine. Known as Harima-no-Kuni Sohsha, it is situated in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Itatehyouzu Shrine is reputed to have a history spanning over 1,400 years.

Ahead of the game's release, YouTubers have been uploading early-access gameplay videos. One video, showing Yasuke rampaging inside the shrine and destroying objects with a sword, has drawn significant attention. In the English version of the game, the location is labeled as "Itatehyozu Shrine."

Although this scene only occurs if the player selects that option, the pre-launch version appears to allow players to destroy objects inside the shrine.

Social media reactions included comments like, "This shows a deep disrespect for Japanese culture," "It's offensive to Shinto," and "This behavior is highly insensitive."

*Itatehyozu Shrine, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture*

When asked if Ubisoft had contacted the shrine for permission beforehand, a representative stated, "They did not. If they had asked, we would have refused," expressing their displeasure. Although the representative did not provide details about the "appropriate action," they may be seeking to have the shrine removed from the game.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Association of Shinto Shrines denied social media rumors that it was taking action on this matter.

Todai-ji Temple In Talks with Ubisoft

Footage released in 2024 for AC Shadows featured the Todai-ji Temple in Nara City, including the octagonal lantern, which is designated as a National Treasure.

In October, a temple representative stated, "It is true that we have been in talks with Ubisoft, but we cannot disclose details as it involves the other party." Later, the temple confirmed that it has not changed its stance. Currently, it is unclear whether the two parties have reached any agreement.

Notably, much of Todai-ji, including its main halls and towers, burned down in 1567 during a battle between Hisahide Matsunaga and the Miyoshi Triumvirate. This was more than a decade before Yasuke arrived in Japan. As a result, the temple had not yet been rebuilt during the period depicted in the game.

There have been other similar issues as well. Concept art for AC Shadows, intended to showcase the game's world, included the flag of the Sekigahara Teppo Corps (matchlock rifle corps) without permission.

This reenactment group is dedicated to preserving matchlock rifles and promoting the history of the Battle of Sekigahara (1600).

Ubisoft issued an apology in summer 2024 but noted that it could not remove the flag from the booklet included with the game's deluxe edition. After the game's release was delayed twice, Ubisoft eventually agreed to remove the images of the flag. It appears that this issue has now been largely resolved.

Criticism from Overseas Fans

While Yasuke was a real historical figure, there are very few records about him. Also, it is unclear whether he was truly a samurai. AC Shadows is the first game in the Assassin's Creed series set in Japan. In this entry, Ubisoft has cast Yasuke, rather than a Japanese character, as the protagonist samurai.

It is not uncommon for games based on Japanese history to feature characters or storylines that diverge from historical fact. However, in this case, there are already people overseas who believe that Yasuke was a "legendary samurai."

Growing concerns that a popular and influential game could further spread this misconception ultimately led to an online petition calling for the game's cancellation. A gaming industry insider noted, "It's not just Japanese fans. Other fans around the world have criticized the game. They believe that Japanese history deserves to be respected."

*Assassin's Creed Shadows for PlayStation 5, scheduled for release on March 20 (Provided by Ubisoft)*

No Comment from Ubisoft

Ubisoft has stated in interviews with international media that they conducted extensive historical research with experts on Japan during the development of AC Shadows. However, the available footage so far features several depictions that Japanese viewers may find odd. These include square-shaped tatami mats and watermelons displayed along the roadside during cherry blossom season.

Depending on how they control the protagonist, the game allows players to move or destroy objects that are not directly tied to the story. This feature adds realism and enhances gameplay by enabling characters to interact with their surroundings. However, players and critics have strongly criticized the use of a real shrine without permission.

On February 18, The Sankei Shimbun reached out to Ubisoft's Japan office for comment but had received no response as of February 20.