Paris, France – Ubisoft’s decision to postpone the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows came as a shock to fans last week. The delay, from November to February, was explained by the company as a necessary step to avoid releasing the game in an unfinished state. While the learnings from Star Wars Outlaws played a significant role in the decision, there were other interesting factors at play, according to a recent report.
Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson spoke to sources familiar with the situation, revealing details about the development process of the game. Along with a strict development timeline, the team has been focused on polishing the game and addressing concerns from the Japanese community regarding cultural and historical accuracy. Rumors suggesting the removal of one of the game’s protagonists, Yasuke, an African samurai, have been debunked by Henderson.
Reports indicate that developers have been actively working to address concerns about historical accuracy and Japanese cultural sensitivities since the game was first revealed. It’s been alleged that historical experts were brought in at a later stage than usual for Assassin’s Creed titles, leading to miscommunication among teams and rushed deadlines to meet asset requirements. Changes to Yasuke’s story and portrayal, as well as alterations to architectural details, are being made to ensure accuracy in the game.
One of the challenges faced by the developers involves the use of imagery related to Nagasaki’s Sanno Shrine, a historic structure known for its one-legged Torii gate. This imagery, synonymous with the shrine, had apparently been included in merchandising plans by Ubisoft, causing confusion and criticism. However, the company is now working to address these issues before the game’s release in February.
As fans eagerly await the revamped version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, questions linger about Ubisoft’s ability to address the existing concerns in the short time frame. The anticipation for the game remains high, with many curious to see how the changes will impact the overall experience. Share your thoughts and opinions on the upcoming release in the comments section below.