A recent day-one patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to amend concerns surrounding gameplay that permits aggressive actions at sacred sites in 1500s Japan. The update will make specific parts of religious structures indestructible and prevent monks from being depicted as harmed during altercations, following feedback from Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
The Shrine Destruction Controversy Explained
The uproar began with a viral clip showcasing the samurai character Yosuke engaging in violent behavior at the Itatehyōzu Shrine near Himeji Castle, prompting accusations of cultural insensitivity towards Japan. This gameplay, which occurs outside mission objectives, was criticized by some as disrespectful. Additionally, there were complaints about other elements deemed culturally inappropriate.
The matter escalated to the Japanese government when House of Councillors member Hiroyuki Kada questioned Prime Minister Ishiba during a budget meeting. Kada expressed fears that allowing virtual depictions of violence against real-world locations might incite copycat behavior. He stated, “Of course, freedom of expression must be respected, but acts that demean local cultures should be avoided.”
Prime Minister Ishiba responded firmly, asserting, “Defacing a shrine is out of the question—it is an insult to the nation itself.” He emphasized the importance of respecting cultural practices, referring to past military engagements that required understanding local customs. Concerns were also raised about Ubisoft’s lack of permission to use the shrine’s likeness in the game.
Ubisoft’s decision to implement the patch reflects the company’s awareness of the sensitivity surrounding this issue, particularly given the game’s anticipated success following previous delays. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which has already experienced two postponements, is pivotal for Ubisoft’s future, especially after disappointing sales of other recent titles. As of now, the game holds an 81 on Metacritic, aligning with the franchise’s reputation for quality.
Patch Details
The patch notes, made available ahead of its March 20 release, include the following changes:
- Civilians without weapons will no longer bleed when attacked, minimizing bloodshed in places of worship.
- Tables and racks in shrines will now be indestructible, although some generic items can still be broken.