The controversy surrounding Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows misses the point as outsider protagonists have always been part of the franchise.

One of the more frequent criticisms of the latest entry, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, revolves around the decision to feature an outsider protagonist in a Japanese setting: Yasuke. Some fans argue that this choice betrays the franchise’s core principles and disrespects Japan’s rich history and culture.

The backlash has still not disappeared. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

While the skepticism surrounding Shadows is understandable, particularly concerning historical accuracy, the backlash shouldn’t be directed at the concept of an outsider protagonist. This narrative element has been part of the series consistently, making it a sort of long-standing tradition.

Outsiders’ influence is always present in Assassin’s Creed

Players are taking the criticism a little too far. | Image Source: Ubisoft

The decision by Ubisoft to feature Yasuke, a historical African man in Japan during the Sengoku period, as the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has generated a fair amount of controversy, and for good reason.

Some fans argue that the game could have chosen a more culturally aligned figure from Japanese history, given the rich tapestry of local figures to draw from. While that is understandable and Ubisoft had better options, it’s essential to address the core of the criticism.

However, the argument that Assassin’s Creed must always feature a protagonist deeply embedded in the local culture and history is not good. Fans overlook a fundamental aspect of the series: outsiders have always played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative.

From the very beginning, the series has used the trope of the outsider, whether that be in setting, character background, or just the clash of cultures. Protagonists in the franchise, whether intentionally or by circumstance, have rarely been purely insiders within their environments.

The perfect example is the protagonists in Black Flag, Valhalla, and Odyssey, who are all outsiders in their ways: Edward Kenway, Eivor Varinsdottir, and Alexios/Kassandra, respectively.

These protagonists start as figures outside the core of the Assassin Order, yet as the narrative continues, their paths eventually align with the main goals, offering unique perspectives to the broader war between Assassins and Templars.

Rather, they are often positioned as disruptors, questioning the established order and challenging cultural boundaries. Yasuke’s outsider status, though controversial, is not a break from Assassin’s Creed tradition.

Fans need to be more open-minded about game choices

Players need to understand and check the history of the series. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

The controversy surrounding Yasuke’s role as the protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t simply rooted in hate toward diversity. It’s important to acknowledge that many fans’ criticisms are valid, especially when it comes to historical accuracy.

These criticisms should be heard, as they focus on maintaining the integrity of the historical representation of Japan, and in general, storytelling, which are essential parts of the Assassin’s Creed series.

However, the controversy shouldn’t evolve into a broader complaint that the studio is suddenly changing the franchise. The series has always been about blending historical fact with fiction, often using outsider protagonists to tell stories that explore cultural tensions, power dynamics, and human struggles.

Fans don’t need to view this as a sign that Ubisoft is abandoning what made the series great. Rather, they should recognize that change is an inherent part of the franchise, and that change has always been present since its inception.

In the end, fans should be more open-minded about these choices and allow the franchise to continue its tradition of storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries.

One thing to add: Ubisoft should have gone with another historical figure (they had various options). It started the fire by picking Yasuke, and now it is getting burned.