Since its announcement, Assassin's Creed Shadows has faced controversy surrounding Yasuke, the protagonist inspired by a historical figure. Recently, Ubisoft altered Yasuke's description on the Japanese Steam page, removing the term "samurai" (侍) and replacing it with Ikki tousen , an expression meaning "a warrior capable of facing a thousand enemies." The change comes after criticism from the Japanese public, who question the association of the historical figure with the title of samurai.
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Ubisoft's decision came shortly after the game's second delay, now scheduled for release on March 20, 2025. However, the Brazilian Steam page still uses the term "samurai," which has generated further speculation within the global community regarding the consistency of regional descriptions.
Controversy surrounding Yasuke and his reception in Japan
Yasuke, the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadows , is inspired by an African who lived in feudal Japan. The lack of definitive proof of his official recognition as a samurai generated criticism among the Japanese public. Thus, under pressure, Ubisoft publicly apologized, showing consideration for the country's cultural sensitivities.
Ubisoft limited the update to the Japanese Steam page. The term "samurai" still appears on the Japanese PlayStation Store, suggesting platform exclusivity or delays in new updates.
Regional strategy or global inconsistency?
However, there is no information on whether the change will be adopted in other regions. Meanwhile, players are analyzing how the game's narrative might address Yasuke in light of these changes. Ikki Tousen could be a way to avoid friction without delegitimizing the character's importance.
The delay to March allowed for additional time for technical and content adjustments, but also keeps the focus on the company's narrative and cultural choices. Ubisoft remains under the watchful eye of fans and critics. After the delays, Assassin's Creed Shadows will arrive on the market on March 20, 2025, available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. It remains to be seen how the changes in narrative and Yasuke's presentation will affect the game's reception upon its release.