Assassin’s Creed: Shadows – A Clash of Cultures and Critics
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, the latest installment in Ubisoft’s popular historical adventure series, has been met with both praise and criticism. While many have lauded the game’s historical accuracy and immersive gameplay, others have raised concerns about its portrayal of Japanese culture.
The New York Times’ Praise
The New York Times recently published an article that praised Assassin’s Creed: Shadows for its exceptional historical accuracy. The author highlighted the extensive research and development that went into creating a realistic depiction of feudal Japan.
Ubisoft’s Commitment to Authenticity
Ubisoft has made a significant effort to ensure that Shadows accurately reflects the culture, life, and atmosphere of the Edo period. The company tripled its budget for historical consultants, brought in experts from Japanese studios, and hired Japanese testers to identify and correct any inconsistencies.
A Case of Cultural Sensitivity
One notable example of Ubisoft’s attention to detail involved a scene where a character wrote a poem while sitting at a tea table instead of a desk. This seemingly minor oversight caused a stir among the development team, who were determined to maintain the game’s historical accuracy.
A Japanese Perspective
Kazuma Hashimoto, a Japanese consultant and translator, has expressed his enthusiasm for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. He believes that the criticism the game has received from Western players is unfounded and stems from a lack of understanding of Japanese culture.
The Sweet Baby Connection
However, Hashimoto’s credibility has been questioned due to his past employment at Sweet Baby, a controversial organization known for its agenda-driven activities. Hashimoto worked at Sweet Baby from February 2020 to April 2023, before moving on to write for publications such as Polygon, Siliconera, and Medium.
A Controversial Article
In an article published on Medium, Hashimoto attempted to discuss Japanese colonialism in the context of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This controversial piece drew criticism from some who felt that it was inappropriate to address such a serious topic in the context of a children’s game.
The Debate Continues
The debate over Assassin’s Creed: Shadows’ portrayal of Japanese culture is likely to continue. While some argue that the game is a valuable historical resource, others maintain that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misrepresentations.
