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[Danjin44]

It's just Ubisoft haters.

I myself is Ubisoft hater and dont like almost none of their games and have zero interest playing this one but this drama surrounding this AC is too overblown and people just overreacting over nothing.

 

[damidu]

such lack of respect, much yaawn

 

[Idleyes]

I bet they see no problem with this guy though.

or this

spare me

 

[wyvern_bloodfist]

**Christianity originated in the Middle East during the 1st century; just to note this for people who think its western culture... its not.**

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

I bet they see no problem with this guy though.

Mr Popo!!!

he was very scary.

 

[Nowa]

If Ubisoft was known for making edgy and politically incorrect games (like Rockstar in their prime), I wouldn't mind it.

The problem is the hypocrisy. "Oh we care so much about the asian POCs, we will really respect your culture and story", then they make a foreign protagonist who can destroy temples and kill religious people.

Also they would obviously never do the same if it was the Religion of Peace™ instead of Shinto, so fuck them.

 

[MSduderino]

This sort of criticism doesn't take video games as an art form seriously. The people offended by cultural representation in a video game had no intention of playing any video game in the first place. GAF shouldn't fall for that. AC shadows is completely unexciting to me but it's historical accuracy and cultural representation aren't a problem for it, just like they aren't for pretty much any game. That's a reach and any experienced gamer should know that.

 

[MSduderino]

If Ubisoft was known for making edgy and politically incorrect games (like Rockstar in their prime), I wouldn't mind it.

The problem is the hypocrisy. "Oh we care so much about the asian POCs, we will really respect your culture and story", then they make a foreign protagonist who can destroy temples and kill religious people.

Also they would obviously never do the same if it was the Religion of Peace™ instead of Shinto, so fuck them.

what a bunch of bs. Its okay for R*, but not Ubi because... You sound ridiculous. You can kill most NPCs in AC games. That's what they've been "known for."

 

[Impotaku]

It's ok folks ubisoft has listened they have hired someone to help with their AC promo tour for it's release, they have made sure this time that it's culturally sensitive & accurate this time..

 

[mayham2199]

Yes, but there's a difference between freedom of speech and freedom of expression (art) on one hand, and mean spirited, intentional disrespect towards a foreign culture on the other. I am as much against censorship and pro freedom of speech as most other users on GAF, but I don't think that these issues apply here. The developer of this game consciously mocked Japanese culture with bad intend, and that's not OK. If the dev was making some kind of point, be it politically or for artistic reasons, that'd be OK in my book. But that's not the case.

Yes this is the typical route people like you take. You claim there is no one more into free speech and then lecture us how this specific example is different. You’ve basically decided you are the arbiter of free speech and will let us know when something crosses the line. I love how you’ve just decided Ubisoft did this with bad intent on top of that. I can’t even imagine how high on your own farts you get.

 

[Nowa]

what a bunch of bs. Its okay for R*, but not Ubi because... You sound ridiculous. You can kill most NPCs in AC games. That's what they've been "known for."

It is not okay for Ubisoft because they are a bunch of hypocritical uber-"progressives" who say that they care about minorities, inclusivity and all that bunch of schlock.

 

[TerribleAtThisGame]

Payback for Castlevania III bitch!

 

[MISTER INVEIGLER]

UBI knows they have a PR problem with this game. They have released statements about it. Probably delayed it some to get out of it. I guess we will find out soon.

All this controversy have spiked my interest in the game and I haven't played an Assassin's Creed game since AC1.

 

[MSduderino]

It is not okay for Ubisoft because they are a bunch of hypocritical uber-"progressives" who say that they care about minorities, inclusivity and all that bunch of schlock.

But you don't care about inclusion or any of that shit anyways, so why choose now? The same folks complaining about DEI in games are the same ones saying Ubisoft isn't being sensitive/respectful to Japan here. Complete inconsistency of opinion.

 

[Nowa]

The same folks complaining about DEI in games are the same ones saying Ubisoft isn't being sensitive/respectful to Japan here. Complete inconsistency of opinion.

Again, it is fair to call them out for their hypocrisy. Simple as that.

 

[Closer]

People don't listen to the Pope but want to listen to some shrine priest lol

 

[IDKFA]

Yes, but there's a difference between freedom of speech and freedom of expression (art) on one hand, and mean spirited, intentional disrespect towards a foreign culture on the other. I am as much against censorship and pro freedom of speech as most other users on GAF, but I don't think that these issues apply here. The developer of this game consciously mocked Japanese culture with bad intend, and that's not OK. If the dev was making some kind of point, be it politically or for artistic reasons, that'd be OK in my book. But that's not the case.

Intentional disrespect? Mocking Japanese culture? Lol. Please. This is a fantasy video game. Ubisoft are not Intentionally causing disrespect.

Where were the same cries of disrespect when a Japanese studio sets a game in different culture?

This situation is so overblown I feel like I'm living in an idiocracy.

 

[Killer8]

Japan is just as susceptible to religious handwringing as any other country.

 

[touchfuzzy]

I will go on continuing to not care about Japanese shrine head priests.

 

[mitch1971]

Do they not understand these shrines are not real... like gods?

 

[damidu]

But you don't care about inclusion or any of that shit anyways, so why choose now? The same folks complaining about DEI in games are the same ones saying Ubisoft isn't being sensitive/respectful to Japan here. Complete inconsistency of opinion.

yeah, its because those idiots think everyone is as stupid as them.

Again, it is fair to call them out for their hypocrisy. Simple as that.

take your stupid "gotcha" grift and scram already. you are see-through.

 

[clem84]

I think this is an overreaction. AC:S is a work of fiction. They should take that into consideration.

But I like that Ubi did this for representation and ended up being called racists. Priceless!

 

[MSduderino]

Again, it is fair to call them out for their hypocrisy. Simple as that.

Just as it's fair to call out your hypocrisy, only caring about inclusion when it suits your narrative.

 

[TGO]

Yasuke story is not even real, it was fabricated by a fraud.

Was the life of Yasuke from Assassin's Creed Shadows invented by a scientist? The university is investigating, the Japanese parliament is interested

The dubious historical accuracy and alleged disrespect for Japanese culture in Assassin's Creed Shadows has led to a scandal that continues to flare u

itc.ua

He also ran away when Nobunaga died.
I'm sure he did it in a Noble Samurai way though and not because he was finally free of carrying his shit all his life.

 

[EN250]

This is beyond cringe at this point, Ubisoft has been fucking up history and taking massive liberties for 20 years and it was fine till it was glorious Nippon.

Did Ubi made some PR pointing at this so this "controversy" is over before it starts?

They should have gone full damage control pointing out how a game about characters revisiting their ancestors memories thru some bs techo-magic devices in order to get the location of an alien mcguffin with unknown power is loosely based on real history and real places and not to be taken seriously

 

[The Chairman]

Reminder that the only Japanese consultant Ubisoft hired was a specialist in Japanese gay literature to work with Assassin's Creed Shadows, she is an expert in gender studies investigating romantic relationships with adolescent boys....

 

[Rush2112]

Because the Japanese REALLY respect other cultures.

 

[Nowa]

Just as it's fair to call out your hypocrisy, only caring about inclusion when it suits your narrative.

It is called having different expectations depending on the context. If you can't understand something so simple, I can't help you.

 

[ResilientBanana]

Depending on whether or not it’s a good game. I might jump on AC:S. It’s been looking fairly solid gameplay and graphics wise. I also haven’t touched AC since black flag.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

Man, this topic is a shitshow and it's going the exact way you'd expect it to : dog eat dog

Shame

 

[Sushi_Combo]

Might buy a 2nd copy to just own the Japs.

 

[Hookshot]

Reminder that the only Japanese consultant Ubisoft hired was a specialist in Japanese gay literature to work with Assassin's Creed Shadows, she is an expert in gender studies investigating romantic relationships with adolescent boys....

Guess this why some are suddenly defending Ubisoft. Whatever floats your boats chaps.

 

[adamsapple]

People don't listen to the Pope but want to listen to some shrine priest lol

Speak for yourself, I stayed away from Rule of Rose because the Vatican said it was evil.

 

[DaciaJC]

**Christianity originated in the Middle East during the 1st century; just to note this for people who think its western culture... its not.**

Christianity is a cornerstone of post-4th century Western civilization and to this day informs innumerable elements of our society and culture even if the percentage of those who practice it has declined. In the same way Islam is central to modern Indonesian culture even if it spawned thousands of miles away.

 

[Barakov]

 

[Aenima]

Because the Japanese REALLY respect other cultures.

They actually do. During the World Cup the japanese fans stayed in the stadium after the match ended to clean all the trash they did.



The fact that so many ppl in this forum dont even understand how cultural rich Japan is, and how much Japanese culture matter to the japanese ppl, its why we have american youtubers going to Japan to act like monkeys in public spaces for clout like Johny Somali and his clones.

 

[Closer]

Speak for yourself, I stayed away from Rule of Rose because the Vatican said it was evil.

You're a true catholic.

 

[adamsapple]

You're a true catholic.

I'm a Keigholic

 

[John Wick]

I don't think it's cringe or stupid at all. It's a great sign Japanese authorities on the subject speak their mind freely, commenting on this subject. This is so much better than sugarcoating it or keeping silent about it. It's an actual dialogue, which is not necessarily expected if you keep the typical Japanese restraint in these matters in mind. The Japanese have every right to tear Ubisoft a new one over this disgraceful "product" and demand of them to do a better job.

Why?
It's a videogame. If Japan wants one accurately depicting Japan then they should make one themselves. I don't see the Italians making a meal of Mario being stereotyped. This is beyond stupid.

 

[San Dan Glokta]

Whatever. Religion deserves no respect.

including the religion of atheism, right?

 

[Tams]

This sort of criticism doesn't take video games as an art form seriously. The people offended by cultural representation in a video game had no intention of playing any video game in the first place. GAF shouldn't fall for that. AC shadows is completely unexciting to me but it's historical accuracy and cultural representation aren't a problem for it, just like they aren't for pretty much any game. That's a reach and any experienced gamer should know that.

It does matter because Ubisoft made it matter. They leant hard into the accuracy part. Then it turns out they didn't get permission to recreate various symbols and places, artwork that showed four seasons at once (that not being the aim of it), and their one and only big source for Yasuke turning out to be a fraud (getting fired from his day job and effectively kicked out of Japan).

Then they showed off a figurine that, while not intended to be offensive, looked like a surviving remnant of one of the atomic bombings despite there being zero connection with it to the game's story or setting.

Then, they repeat the plagiarism, despite having apologised to others prior.

 

[Lionel Richie]

Shrine head priest was totally a boss in Sekiro, right?

 

[San Dan Glokta]

If Ubisoft was known for making edgy and politically incorrect games (like Rockstar in their prime), I wouldn't mind it.

The problem is the hypocrisy. "Oh we care so much about the asian POCs, we will really respect your culture and story", then they make a foreign protagonist who can destroy temples and kill religious people.

Also they would obviously never do the same if it was the Religion of Peace™ instead of Shinto, so fuck them.

I always see non-muslims use this but I've yet to meet a single muslim who ever uttered this term, not in Saudi Arabia or anywhere else.

 

[Tams]

I always see non-muslims use this but I've yet to meet a single muslim who ever uttered this term, not in Saudi Arabia or anywhere else.

Whoosh.

 

[wyvern_bloodfist]

Christianity is a cornerstone of post-4th century Western civilization and to this day informs innumerable elements of our society and culture even if the percentage of those who practice it has declined. In the same way Islam is central to modern Indonesian culture even if it spawned thousands of miles away.

I only care about facts; and the truth not opinions, it will never be western culture no matter how long its practiced here.

 

[Boy bawang]

Yeah that actually makes me want to play the game. Japanese are the biggest whiners there is when it comes those questions, while completely reinterpreting foreign cultures themselves when they make games.

 

[Danjin44]

Shrine head priest was totally a boss in Sekiro, right?

Yup…..

 

[Bartski]

Ubisoft just shot themselves in the foot.
I don't know how much the rest of you know about Japanese culture (I'm an expert), but honor and shame are huge parts of it. It's not like it is in America where you can become successful by being an asshole. If you screw someone over in Japan, you bring shame to yourself, and the only way to get rid of that shame is repentance.
What this means is the japanese public, after hearing about this, is not going to want to purchase Assassin's Creed: Shadows for either system, nor will they purchase any of Ubisoft's games. This is HUGE. You can laugh all you want, but Ubisoft has alienated an entire market with this move.
Ubisoft, publicly apologize and cancel Assassin's Creed: Shadows or you can kiss your business goodbye.

 

[Danjin44]

Ubisoft just shot themselves in the foot.
I don't know how much the rest of you know about Japanese culture (I'm an expert), but honor and shame are huge parts of it. It's not like it is in America where you can become successful by being an asshole. If you screw someone over in Japan, you bring shame to yourself, and the only way to get rid of that shame is repentance.
What this means is the japanese public, after hearing about this, is not going to want to purchase Assassin's Creed: Shadows for either system, nor will they purchase any of Ubisoft's games. This is HUGE. You can laugh all you want, but Ubisoft has alienated an entire market with this move.
Ubisoft, publicly apologize and cancel Assassin's Creed: Shadows or you can kiss your business goodbye.

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

Yes this is the typical route people like you take. You claim there is no one more into free speech and then lecture us how this specific example is different. You’ve basically decided you are the arbiter of free speech and will let us know when something crosses the line. I love how you’ve just decided Ubisoft did this with bad intent on top of that. I can’t even imagine how high on your own farts you get.

Are you cognitively capable of understanding the differentiation between "I am against free speech" and "I don't think this particular instance of exercising the right to it is reasonable or clever"?