Ubisoft’s latest release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally hit the market. Despite delays, controversies, and mixed opinions, the game has managed to impress many critics. However, it has not entirely escaped public scrutiny and backlash.
Just 24 hours after its official release, the Japanese government has condemned certain in-game mechanics related to the destruction and desecration of religious shrines.
Japanese Prime Minister Condemns Assassin’s Creed Shadows
During a session of the Japanese Diet, the country’s legislative body responsible for enacting laws and approving national budgets, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigure and other officials raised concerns regarding what they have labeled as the “Assassin’s Creed problem.”
According to ITMedia, a report shared by Dexerto revealed that Hiroyuki Kata, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, expressed deep concern about the game’s portrayal of sacred locations. He stated:
“I would like to address the issue of Assassin’s Creed. In the game, the samurai protagonist destroys drums, sacred mirrors, and altars inside the worship halls of a shrine that appears with its real name.”
Following this statement, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigure delivered a firm response:
“It is absolutely unacceptable to vandalize a shrine. This is nothing less than an insult to the country. It is natural to respect a nation’s culture and religion, and I believe it is crucial to send the message that we will not tolerate any behavior that disrespects these values.”
Ubisoft Responds to the Backlash
Ubisoft, aware of the growing criticism from Japanese officials and cultural leaders, has announced that a launch-day patch will be released to address these concerns. The update will include the following changes:
Key Adjustments in the Patch:
- Players will no longer be able to destroy furniture such as tables and shelves in altars.
- NPCs will not bleed when attacked, and gore elements have been removed.
- Combat encounters inside religious temples and shrines will be minimized.
This update aims to mitigate the controversy and align the game’s mechanics with cultural sensitivities, ensuring a more respectful representation of Japan’s historical and religious landmarks.