Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which takes players to an open-world feudal Japan, is likely one of the most eagerly awaited video games of 2025. In addition to the game’s setting, which fans have long demanded, Shadows features a lot of other intriguing hooks that have drawn players in, especially its dual characters, Naoe and Yasuke.
With the two characters, each of whom has distinct roles to play during the conflict-filled Azuchi-Momoyama period, players will have a great deal of leeway in how they finish the story. Despite all the anticipation and hype, the game is also heavily criticized for its alleged DEI-heavy implications. Even the reply from the art director of the game couldn’t actually defend all these allegations.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows art director gave a reply to the ‘DEI-heavy’ allegations
In an interview with Eurogamer, Assassin’s Creed Shadow‘s art director Thierry Dansereau talked about the ongoing controversy regarding the potential forced DEI culture of the game. Dansereau has been a legendary figure for the Assassin’s Creed franchise as he has been with this series since Brotherhood.
He was also the art director of Revelations, Syndicate, Odyssey, and even expansions for Assassin’s Creed 3 and Black Flag. However, on any previous occasions, the game never went through such critical controversy as Shadows. Dansereau did reply to all these criticisms but wasn’t that much confident in his words:
It’s good that our game has visibility. Of course, we’re making creative choices. It’s a video game in the end, so we want to make the best experience as possible for our players.
Yasuke, the historical figure Ubisoft selected as one of Shadows‘ two protagonists, has been the focus of the great majority of online controversy. The game portrays Yasuke, an African man who traveled to and resided in Japan during the time period of Shadows, as a formidable samurai.
Yasuke’s inclusion, according to fans, was a purposeful addition of “DEI” (diversity, equity, and inclusion) at the expense of historical authenticity. In contrast, Ubisoft has stated that the inclusion of Yasuke as a co-protagonist, along with Japanese shinobi Naoe, was a deliberate decision that would enable players to “discover Japan through [Yasuke]’s eyes, the eyes of a foreigner.”
The response from the art director didn’t answer the question properly
It was a perfect time for Dansereau to cut all the crap with a strong reply, but that actually didn’t happen. Skipping the actual part for the sake of the “visibility” doesn’t do the job. Dansereau failed to convince these people by assuring them that no harm would be done to the historical accuracy despite the inclusion of Yasuke.
It would have been a lot easier to make this statement as Yasuke was a real historical figure and his inclusion will give a different touch on how people will perceive the then Japanese culture in the game. The art director also talked about providing the “best experience” but didn’t go into detail about how they are going to provide that.
There will be some pressure on Ubisoft to minimize Yasuke’s involvement in order to please these violent crowds and the most ardent game critics. These critics appear to be the most outspoken, and some people think that if they can just be convinced to agree, everything will work out fine.
Even though Yasuke cannot be removed, trying to come to a consensus with these people will only boost their confidence and keep them singing. When Shadows launches in March, their songs will be just as loud, so Ubisoft needs to take advantage of this delay to rally support and drown out the clamor.
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