The highly anticipated cinematic reveal trailer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the next mainline entry in Ubisoft’s blockbuster action-adventure franchise, has been met with a polarized reception from fans and gamers alike. While the announcement ignited excitement for the series’ long-awaited foray into feudal Japan, it has also sparked a significant backlash, with the trailer becoming one of the most disliked in the franchise’s history on YouTube.
Across various channels, including Ubisoft’s official YouTube page, the Assassin’s Creed Shadows reveal trailer has been bombarded with dislikes, far outpacing the positive engagement. On Ubisoft’s channel alone, the trailer has amassed a staggering 586,000 dislikes compared to 263,000 likes at the time of writing, with similar ratios observed on other gaming channels.
The primary source of contention appears to be the inclusion of Yasuke, a real-life figure of African origin who served under the legendary Japanese warlord Nobunaga Oda, as one of the game’s dual protagonists. While Yasuke’s presence in feudal Japan is historically documented, the specifics of his life and exploits remain largely shrouded in mystery, leading to concerns over potential historical inaccuracies in the game’s portrayal.
Assassin's Creed Shadows pre-orders are looking very strong. I don't have the exact numbers yet, but no one in the know is disappointed with them.
— Tom Henderson (@_Tom_Henderson_) May 17, 2024
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Additionally, some fans have expressed disappointment that Assassin’s Creed’s first venture into Japan does not solely feature native Japanese leads, despite the presence of female protagonist Naoe, who is of Japanese descent.
Amidst the backlash, however, there are indications that pre-order numbers for Assassin’s Creed Shadows have remained strong. Industry insider Tom Henderson reported that, according to unnamed sources, pre-orders for the game are “looking very strong,” with no one “in the know” expressing disappointment with the figures.
This positive commercial performance, despite the negative reception to the reveal, may stem from the franchise’s enduring popularity and the long-standing anticipation for an Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan. The promise of an open world on par with the vast environments of Assassin’s Creed Origins, coupled with gameplay innovations such as non-linear target tracking and a heightened emphasis on light and stealth mechanics, has likely contributed to the strong pre-order numbers.
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows edges closer to its November release date, Ubisoft will undoubtedly face the challenge of addressing concerns over historical accuracy and character representation while maintaining the excitement and momentum generated by the game’s reveal. Striking the right balance between authenticity and creative license will be crucial in shaping the game’s ultimate reception and success.
