Breakdown
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows will let players become the first black samurai in Japan, Yasuke.
- A certain crowd of gamer is upset at the inclusion of a black character in a Japanese setting
- These gamers have taken to editing the Wikipedia page for the real-life Yasuke, much to the ire of expert Wiki editors
After news broke that Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ male protagonist would be Yasuke, the first black samurai, a specific group of gamers has taken to vandalizing Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, with inaccurate information.
Alongside revealing a move back to the shadows for the series, the debut trailer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows showcases its dual protagonists. On one hand, there’s Yasuke, the first black samurai based on the real-life historical figure. On the other hand, a completely original shinobi, Naoe.
Despite Yasuke being based on a real historical figure, racist gamers are furious at the inclusion of Yasuke in the new Assassin’s Creed game. These gamers responded to the new game’s announcement by mass editing the Wikipedia page for Yasuke, arguing over whether he’s actually a samurai or a retainer, attempting to diminish the figure’s historical relevance.
Over the past day, hundreds of edits have been attempted, with trusted Wikipedia editors rescinding changes without proper sourcing and reverting clauses added by many who actually have no idea what they’re talking about.
However, amid the mass Wikipedia vandalism, there has always been some confusion over Yasuke’s samurai status. In history, the swordbearer served as a retainer for fifteen months to Oda Nobunaga. Officially, a retainer is a samurai, even if they’re not as high-ranking as many other warriors.
In response to the overwhelming vandalism, Wikipedia editors have resorted to locking edits for the page for the time being. This means that new information, if discovered, regarding Yasuke cannot be added to the page unless unlocked.
Despite being a real historical figure, much of Yasuke’s background is unknown. Living almost 450 years ago, the majority of Yasuke’s history is lore and legend, making him the perfect historical figure to adapt into an Assassin’s Creed game.
The particular group of gamers currently annoyed by Yasuke’s inclusion likely won't care about any actual historical accuracy unless it fits their point of view, but those who aren’t offended by a fictional video game having a black protagonist (based on a real person, by the way) will continue to have fun.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC on November 15, 2024.