Assassin's Creed Shadows Item Pulled for Insensitive Design

PureArts has removed the Assassin's Creed Shadows collectible figure due to its "insensitive" design, following backlash from the gaming community regarding the inclusion of a one-legged Torii gate that is viewed as offensive. The figure, inspired by characters Yasuke and Naoe, is being redesigned after complaints highlighted the historical significance of the Torii gate associated with the tragic events of World War II. PureArts issued a public apology and promised to revise the figure, acknowledging the concerns raised. This controversy adds to Ubisoft's previous apologetic responses regarding the game's representation of Japan and its history.

The Torii gate symbolizes the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds, typically found at the entrances to Shinto shrines across Japan. A one-legged Torii gate in Nagasaki has particular historical importance, as it serves as a memorial to the victims of the atomic bombing during World War II, making its use in the figure's design especially sensitive.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is an upcoming entry in the popular Assassin's Creed franchise, set to launch on February 14, 2025. The game explores Feudal Japan and emphasizes an open-world experience with dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. Following community feedback, Ubisoft has also clarified that the game is not meant to be a factual historical account, prioritizing a captivating narrative while striving for authenticity.