The latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has faced significant backlash, reflected in a wave of 1-star reviews. A common thread among these critiques is the perception that the game leans heavily into “woke”ideology, a term that has become contentious among gamers. Many recent titles have encountered similar criticisms, leading to polarized opinions on various platforms.
This article delves deeper into the specific concerns raised in these reviews of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, exploring themes beyond the accusations of “wokeness.”
Cultural Depictions and Representation in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
As of this writing, the game holds a disappointing rating of 2.7 on Google, with numerous reviews highlighting supposed disrespect towards Japanese history and culture. Critics argue that the game integrates “modern”Western gender ideologies, thus detracting from the authenticity of its setting. The controversy began with Ubisoft’s decision to feature a black samurai, Yasuke, as a protagonist, stirring debate around historical representation in a narrative set in feudal Japan.
Players quickly noted the inclusion of same-sex romance options for both protagonists. Notably, Yasuke’s relationship with Ibuki, a non-binary character, has sparked considerable debate about the appropriateness of such portrayals in a historical context. Similarly, the romantic subplot involving Yasuke and Lady Oichi, both real historical figures, has also garnered negative responses from segments of the player base.
The controversy escalated further when Ubisoft was criticized for allowing players to destroy a shrine based on the real Itatehyozu Shrine. This led to widespread outcry, culminating in a response from Japan’s Prime Minister. Fortunately, a Day One patch was released to address the situation before it could escalate any further.
Shifting the conversation away from its perceived “woke”narrative, several top reviews on Steam (where the game currently enjoys a ‘Very Positive’ rating) have also highlighted technical issues. Common complaints include bugs, challenges with Ubisoft Connect accounts, and various performance glitches.
In response to concerns regarding the treatment of its development team, Ubisoft stated to PCGamesN:
“Our stance has always been that team members’ social media channels are their own. Our top priority is the safety of our employees, including online, which is why, as a standard practice across Ubisoft, we offer guidance on navigating social media, digital safety, and support for team members’ well-being. We also share resources to help prevent and protect against online harassment, something our teams have unfortunately faced.”
Despite the controversies, Assassin’s Creed Shadows currently holds an 81 rating on Metacritic, indicating that while some players express dissatisfaction, others appreciate its offerings.