"Assassin's Creed: Shadows" faces backlash over black samurai

The "Assassin's Creed" video game series is popular for its historical detail, but it often stirs controversy for its creative choices. The latest game, "Shadows," features a black samurai named Yasuke, which has sparked significant debate even before its release. Set in 16th-century Japan, "Shadows" recreates the era with help from historians. Pierre-Francois Souyri, a historian consulted for the game, praised its accuracy. He noted that Yasuke is based on a real historical figure, although some details about his status as a samurai are unclear. Many have criticized the choice to include a black samurai. A petition in Japan against this decision gained over 100,000 signatures, claiming it lacks historical accuracy. Some historians, like Yuichi Gozai, argue that there is no solid proof Yasuke had the qualifications to be a samurai. The controversy has been intensified by social media, with reports suggesting a coordinated attack by a small group of conservative users. This behavior may connect to ongoing culture wars in the United States. Ubisoft, the game's developer, delayed creating a Japanese setting until recent years, influenced by the success of other games. While many enjoy the representation in "Shadows," concerns about cultural sensitivity remain strong.