Ubisoft’s Day-One Patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Response to Controversy or a Proactive Move?
In a move that has raised eyebrows in the gaming community, Ubisoft has quietly released a day-one patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, making significant changes to the game’s temples and shrines. The patch, which was not publicly announced, brings various improvements and fixes, including the indestructibility of tables and racks in temples and shrines, and the change to citizens without weapons, who will no longer bleed when attacked.
But what’s behind this sudden change? The answer lies in the controversy surrounding the game’s depiction of real-world locations, particularly shrines, in Japan. The country’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, recently responded to a question about the game during an official government conference meeting, expressing concerns that the game’s depiction of shrine destruction could encourage similar behavior in real life.
The controversy centers around the game’s use of Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, which is featured in the game without permission from the shrine’s representatives. The shrine’s officials and local residents have expressed concerns about the game’s depiction of shrine destruction, with one politician, Hiroyuki Kada, calling for the game to be banned.
In response to the controversy, Ubisoft has taken a proactive approach by releasing the day-one patch, which addresses the concerns raised by the Japanese government and the public. The patch’s changes to temples and shrines are likely a response to the controversy, ensuring that the game is more respectful of real-world locations and cultures.
But what does this mean for the game’s success in Japan and globally? Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been under pressure to perform well after a number of delays and the sales failure of last year’s Star Wars Outlaws. The game’s success is crucial for Ubisoft, which has suffered a number of high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations in recent years.
The patch’s changes may not be enough to salvage the game’s reputation in Japan, but they do demonstrate Ubisoft’s willingness to listen to feedback and make changes to ensure that the game is respectful of real-world locations and cultures. The game’s success globally will depend on its gameplay, story, and overall quality, but the day-one patch is a positive step in the right direction.
Actionable Insights:
- Ubisoft’s day-one patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows demonstrates the company’s willingness to listen to feedback and make changes to ensure that the game is respectful of real-world locations and cultures.
- The patch’s changes to temples and shrines are likely a response to the controversy surrounding the game’s depiction of real-world locations in Japan.
- The game’s success in Japan and globally will depend on its gameplay, story, and overall quality, but the day-one patch is a positive step in the right direction.
Summary:
Ubisoft’s day-one patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has raised eyebrows in the gaming community, but it’s a proactive move that demonstrates the company’s willingness to listen to feedback and make changes to ensure that the game is respectful of real-world locations and cultures. The patch’s changes to temples and shrines are likely a response to the controversy surrounding the game’s depiction of real-world locations in Japan, and while they may not be enough to salvage the game’s reputation in Japan, they do demonstrate Ubisoft’s commitment to quality and respect for real-world locations and cultures.