Japanese officials worry game could incite vandalism

Ubisoft's latest game, "Assassin's Creed: Shadows," launched on Thursday to positive reviews and significant sales. However, it has stirred controversy in Japan and among anti-"woke" critics. The game features a Black samurai named Yasuke and offers players the option for same-sex relationships, which has drawn some backlash. The game is set in feudal Japan and has a score of 81% on Metacritic. It reportedly reached one million players on its first day. Some critics worry that the inclusion of a Black samurai is not authentic to Japanese culture. Japanese officials expressed their concerns about in-game violence, especially related to destroying items in temples. Hiroyuki Kada, a member of Japan's parliament, warned that the game could inspire real-life vandalism. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba echoed these concerns, stating that disrespecting Japanese culture would be a serious issue. In response, Ubisoft released a patch on the game's launch day. This update made certain objects in temples indestructible and reduced bloodshed in those areas. The game's portrayal of Yasuke has also faced scrutiny. Some believe that the character is historically inaccurate. Critics argue that the game does not faithfully represent Japanese culture and history. Ubisoft acknowledged the concerns and emphasized that the game is meant to be historical fiction, not a precise history lesson. Overall, "Assassin's Creed: Shadows" has generated both excitement and controversy, highlighting ongoing tensions around representation in video games.