Japanese Gamers Outraged: Yasuke Confirmed LGBTQ in Assassin’s Creed Shadows!!

In the latest scoop, YouTuber JorRaptor reveals exciting yet controversial news about 'Assassin's Creed Shadows'! On X, JorRaptor shared that both Yasuke and Naoe have unique romance options, including same-sex relationships. Unlike previous games, each character will have distinct romantic partners.

In his video, JorRaptor explains, “Romances are back and they’re different this time. Like in Odyssey and Valhalla, you can choose to pursue romantic relationships or not. However, Yasuke and Naoe will have their own unique romances. While in Odyssey, both Alexios and Cassandra had the same options, in Shadows, the focus is more on platonic relationships, with some same-sex romance options still available.”

Brooke Davies, the game’s Associate Narrative Director, shared more details with JorRaptor: “In Shadows, we’re going to have more developed relationships. It’s not just about dating; there are serious long-term relationships to develop, alongside some lighter romances. You get to know these characters well and can pursue various types of relationships.”

This confirmation follows a Ubisoft blog post from May, which stated, “Naoe and Yasuke’s different personalities lead to different relationships and rapports with other characters. Romantically, they will attract and be attracted to different types of people. Through them, players will experience a multitude of relationships.”

However, this news has sparked outrage among Japanese gamers. Many feel that the inclusion of same-sex romance options and the portrayal of historical figures and events are disrespectful to Japanese history and culture. Game Director Charles Benoit shared with Xbox Wire that the game aims to teach players about the history of Japan during the Sengoku era. “We’re at the end of the Sengoku era, a turning point in Japanese history. Assassin’s Creed is known for its historical accuracy, and 'Shadows' will depict real historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and significant events from that time. Players will get to live the two best fantasies of Japan: the Samurai and Shinobi,” he concluded.

Despite these intentions, Japanese players argue that the game fails to honor their cultural heritage accurately and respectfully. The backlash highlights a growing concern over Western interpretations of Eastern history and the need for cultural sensitivity in game development.