The renowned Assassin’s Creed video game franchise by Ubisoft Japan has been undergoing hurdles ever since it revealed its upcoming fourteenth installment ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘.
Recently, the video game publisher has apologized for the unauthorized use of the Japanese historical reenactment group’s flag in Assassin’s Creed Shadows concept art.
Ubisoft Japan apologized on social media platform X for using the flag of Sekigahara Teppo-tai, a historical re-enactment group, in two pieces of Assassin’s Creed concept art without permission.
According to IGN, The flag’s owner, a leading member of Sekigahara Teppo-tai, had previously shared a photo of the real flag on X on October 27, 2019 and expressed concern over Ubisoft’s unauthorized use.
Ubisoft apologized for using a historical re-enactment group’s flag without permission in Assassin’s Creed Shadows concept art. They will no longer use the artwork, except in the physical art book included in the Collector’s Edition, citing a goal of creating an “as authentic as possible” game world.
『アサシン クリード シャドウズ』に関するお知らせ
公開済であるコンセプトアート2点に、関ケ原古戦場おもてなし連合「関ケ原鉄砲隊」の旗が無断で使用されているとのご指摘を受けております。
団体様には謝罪の機会を頂戴し、受け入れていただきました。…— Ubisoft Japan (@UBISOFT_JAPAN) July 8, 2024
Fans also noticed the minor depiction of an identical flag in a concept art of Assassin’s Creed Shadows set in Japan.
This is the same flag that was shared by @matchlock_kage account on X in high-quality.
2019年10月27日に鹿児島県の妙円寺詣りの時に撮った写真から切り抜きですがアップさせて頂きます pic.twitter.com/Ccw0g21nHH
— 影山＠関ケ原鉄砲隊 (@matchlock_kage) June 17, 2024
A petition on Change.org, started by a person named Shimizu Toru, has garnered over 87,000 signatures, including 3,000 new signatories today, calling for the cancellation of Assassin’s Creed Shadows due to its historical inaccuracies in depicting samurai and Japanese culture. The game, set in feudal Japan, has been controversial since its announcement, with fans debating the main characters and criticizing the game for racism and being a “serious insult” to Japanese culture, with new signatures being added rapidly.
It is being opined by various experts and reports that though the petition may have garnered significant attention and signatures, it’s unlikely to lead to the game’s cancellation. The majority of video game petitions are disregarded, and this one will likely meet the same fate. Barring any unforeseen delays, the game is expected to launch worldwide on November 15 across various platforms, regardless of the petition’s signatures. Many fans have also pointed out that the Assassin’s Creed franchise has never been known for historical accuracy anyway.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise masterfully weaves together historical facts and fictional elements, creating an immersive gaming experience. While the developers meticulously recreate historical landmarks and settings, the stories and characters are largely fictional, with a few exceptions. The series’ narrative revolves around a futuristic sci-fi concept, where modern-day assassins tap into their ancestors’ memories to shape the course of history. This blend of historical and fictional elements allows for thrilling storylines, parkour stunts, and supernatural twists, all of which take precedence over strict historical accuracy. As a result, the Assassin’s Creed series offers a captivating and entertaining experience that prioritizes storytelling and gameplay over historical precision.
About Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is going to be the fourteenth major installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The game is set in 16th-century Japan, at the end of the Sengoku period – revolving around two main protagonists, the female shinobi Naoe and the African samurai Yasuke. The game is expected to focus on the millennia-old struggle between the Assassin Brotherhood, who fight for peace and liberty, and the Templar Order, who desire peace through control.
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