Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Got Roasted by Gamers and the Japanese Government

Assassin’s Creed Shadows stirred up a massive controversy before and after its March 2025 release, facing backlash from gamers, cultural critics, and even Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Here’s the lowdown on why the game “went woke,” got slammed, and ultimately failed to win over key audiences.

The Controversy: Cultural Insensitivity Meets “Woke” Backlash

• Historical Accuracy vs. Creative License
  The game features Yasuke, a Black samurai protagonist inspired by a real historical figure, alongside options for LGBTQ+ characters. While Ubisoft framed it as “compelling historical fiction,” many fans and critics accused it of distorting Japanese culture and history. The inclusion of diverse characters sparked heated debates, with some gamers labeling it “woke pandering” that diluted authenticity.

• Shrine Destruction Sparks Outrage
  A particularly explosive scene shows Yasuke destroying the Itatehyozu Shrine, a real Shinto site in Hyogo Prefecture. This depiction angered local officials and shrine caretakers, who said Ubisoft never sought permission to use the shrine’s likeness. Politicians, including Hiroyuki Kada and PM Ishiba, publicly condemned the game, fearing it might encourage real-life vandalism amid Japan’s recent tourism surge.

• Government Intervention and Patch Response
  Japan’s government held talks about the game’s impact, with Ishiba emphasizing respect for cultural and religious sites. Ubisoft responded swiftly with a day-one patch making shrine objects indestructible and reducing bloodshed in sacred areas. Despite this, the controversy damaged the game’s reputation in Japan and among traditionalist gamers worldwide.

Why Did It Fail?

• Alienating Core Fans
  Longtime Assassin’s Creed fans felt the game prioritized political correctness over storytelling and historical immersion. The backlash from “anti-woke” gamers was fierce, accusing Ubisoft of sacrificing quality for social messaging.

• Cultural Clash and PR Missteps
  Ubisoft’s failure to consult local communities and cultural experts adequately led to accusations of disrespect. The use of sensitive imagery, like a one-legged Torii gate linked to WWII atomic bomb sites, further inflamed tensions.

• Fragmented Audience and Mixed Messaging
  Trying to cater to progressive narratives while maintaining historical authenticity backfired. The game struggled to satisfy either side, resulting in polarized reviews and divided player bases.

• Government Scrutiny and Negative Publicity
  The involvement of Japan’s Prime Minister and legislative officials brought unprecedented political pressure. Media coverage focused heavily on the controversy, overshadowing the game’s positive aspects and dampening sales momentum in a key market.

The Bottom Line

Assassin’s Creed Shadows serves as a cautionary tale about balancing creative freedom, cultural sensitivity, and fan expectations. Ubisoft’s “woke” ambitions, combined with poor handling of real-world cultural symbols, alienated both traditional gamers and Japanese authorities, leading to a public relations nightmare and a dented legacy for the franchise.

PokGai Gamer Newsletter

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: How “Woke” Went Wrong and Got Smacked by Japan

Yo, pok gai gamers! Ubisoft tried to shake things up with a Black samurai and LGBTQ options in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but instead, they got roasted hard - not just by gamers but by Japan’s Prime Minister himself.

We break down how disrespecting sacred shrines, ignoring cultural sensitivities, and pushing woke politics without finesse blew up in their faces. The game got patched on day one just to calm the storm, but the damage was done.

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