Summary
Assassin’s Creed Shadowshas had a rough time since it was revealed. Not because it looks bad—it looks fine—but mainly because the game features a historically accurate black protagonist. Within minutes of the game’s first trailer dropping, a vocal crowddeclared the game “woke”, and in the proceeding days, the video on YouTube washit with over 500,000 dislikes.
Although it’s hard to see just how far the disrespect has gone, enough noise was made that Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot was forced to make a statement condemning the “hateful acts” aimed at the game. Now, another veteran developer with credits in games from series like Street Fighter, Mega Man, Resident Evil, and The Legend of Zelda has come out to remind those complaining that “It’s a game; it’s fantasy, not reality."
Yoshiki Okamoto Looks At The Game From A Positive Perspective
Speaking on hisYouTube channeland translated byAutomaton Media, veteran Yoshiki Okamoto shares that he’s aware of the “backlash” that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is facing; however, he has decided to look at things from a “more positive perspective.”
Okamoto states that actually, having two protagonists, one black and one female, is a good thing and that it will encourage players to “think about which character and playstyle would be more advantageous for clearing certain parts of the game.” He compares Shadows to one of his games, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai, which was also set in a similar time period and featured dual protagonists. He states that while he’d hoped his game turned out like Shadows, the team “weren’t able to pull it off at the time, but I think Ubisoft will, which is why I have high hopes.” He later adds that he will be buying and playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows when it releases.
While he discusses Shadows' gameplay extensively, Okamoto’s most poignant points about the game revolve around his distaste for the backlash it has received. “It’s a game, it’s fantasy, not reality,” he states, adding that “Even if Oda Nobunaga’s family crest is upside down, that’s just the Oda Nobunaga in the game, it does not impact how entertaining the game is.”
Okamoto’s words join those of Yves Guillemot and Assassin’s Creed series producerMarc-Alexis Côté, who have both released statements defending the upcoming game.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
