Key Takeaways:
– Assassin's Creed Shadows invites controversy by featuring an African protagonist, Yasuke, causing debates about historical accuracy.
– The debate centers around whether Yasuke was a real-life samurai or a retainer.
– Some fans argue that the focus should be on narrative and gameplay rather than historical accuracy.
Debunking the Controversy
When Ubisoft revealed Yasuke as the protagonist for the new Assassin's Creed Shadows game, the internet went wild. A significant chunk of the gaming community questioned the historical accuracy of an African male assuming the role. A lingering question amongst critics is whether Yasuke was indeed a samurai under Oda Nobunaga or just a mere retainer.
The Historical Ambiguity
Historical debates are often intriguing, and in Yasuke's case, it's no different. The lack of clear historical documentation about Yasuke leaves a lot of room for speculation. This has led to an ongoing debate among fans about the authenticity of Yasuke's samurai status.
Addressing the Relevance of the Debate
However, a Redditor with an Asian background cut through the chatter, labeling the debate as “stupid”. The user argued that, regardless of Yasuke's historical status, the game remains a work of fiction and should be viewed as such. They believe that the argument becomes insignificant unless Yasuke's character breaks the immersion of the game.
Representation or Misrepresentation?
The debate, however, goes beyond historical accuracy. Some fans have expressed discontent regarding the lack of an Asian protagonist in the game. Taking the conversation onto a different tangent, the Redditor points out the common trend of the “token Black character” and questions whether this form of representation is indeed progress or just reinforcing stereotypes.
Diversity in Media
As representation in media increases, making the right choice of representation is a challenging task. The Redditor brings the conversation to the underrepresentation of Asian men in Hollywood and video games, questioning Ubisoft's choice of protagonist, and thereby opening a new frontier of debate.
Competing with Ghost of Tsushima
In another twist, a different user argues that Ubisoft might be aiming to compete with blockbuster games like Ghost of Tsushima. To do so, they needed a unique angle for Assassin's Creed Shadows, and Yasuke might just be the unexpected curveball.
Awaiting the Game Release
While the internet remains divided over the choice of protagonist, some fans suggest keeping skepticism at bay until the game's release. The narrative potential of featuring Yasuke, a foreign Samurai, may indeed provide a fresh gaming experience and a compelling storyline.
Conclusion
The Assassin's Creed Shadows gaming saga has stirred an intriguing debate around representation and historical accuracy. It highlights the tricky balance between delivering exciting narratives and losing the audience to controversial representation choices. As we wait for the game's release, the question remains: has Ubisoft made a wise decision or a bold misstep?
Where do you stand in this debate? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
