News article overviewNintendo Switch games overviewPlayStation 5 games overviewAll games overviewRead our Reviews
cover image $news_headline

Rise of the Ronin Cancelled in South Korea

Feb 13, 2024 2:40 PM

Recent announcements have confirmed that the anticipated PlayStation 5 title, 'Rise of the Ronin', will not see a release in South Korea. The game, developed by Team Ninja, is an open-world action RPG set in late 19th century Japan. Despite being a significant release for the PlayStation 5, the decision to omit a South Korean launch likely stems from the controversy surrounding the historical figure Shōin Yoshida, who plays a prominent role in the title's narrative.

Shōin Yoshida, praised by game director Fumuhiko Yasuda as a figure akin to the philosopher Socrates, was actually involved in movements that led to Korea's occupation by Japan from 1910 to 1945. This background has made Yoshida a controversial figure in South Korea, and by extension, seems to have influenced the decision not to release 'Rise of the Ronin' in the country.

The game itself is poised to immerse players in a critical period of Japanese history, providing them with a rich representation of the late Edo period's cultural, political, and social upheaval. As a Ronin, players navigate through this tumultuous period, using various weapons and even a special device to take combat to the skies. 'Rise of the Ronin' is yet another example of Team Ninja's expertise in developing engaging action titles and is set to hit the PlayStation 5 exclusively on March 22.

Why won't 'Rise of the Ronin' be available in South Korea?

'Rise of the Ronin' is not releasing in South Korea due to the sensitivity around the historical figure Shōin Yoshida, who is involved in the game and viewed controversially in Korean history due to his association with the moves that led to Japanese occupation.

Team Ninja, the developer behind 'Rise of the Ronin,' is renowned for their work on titles such as 'Nioh' and 'Ninja Gaiden', indicating a strong heritage in crafting compelling action experiences. This upcoming title continues their tradition of engaging gameplay and deep historical contexts, making it an anticipated release for fans of action RPGs and Japanese history.



Samira Khan avatar
Written by:

Samira Khan

Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.

Read more articles from: Samira Khan

Follow us

Login or register to join the conversation
Miss Peachy Miss Peachy commented on: 2024-02-13 15:00:06
It's interesting to see the impact of historical sensitivity on video game releases. 'Rise of the Ronin' looks like it's shaping up to be a captivating exploration of late 19th century Japan, and Team Ninja's track record with games like 'Nioh' has me intrigued to see how they'll handle this unique period in history.
Sephiroth Sephiroth commented on: 2024-02-13 14:54:03
It's a shame that 'Rise of the Ronin' won't be available in South Korea, but it's understandable given the sensitive historical context. Team Ninja's expertise in crafting action titles and their commitment to historical accuracy make this game a significant release for PlayStation 5 enthusiasts.
Stimpy Stimpy commented on: 2024-02-13 14:48:07
It's interesting to see how real-world historical sensitivities can impact the release of a highly anticipated game like 'Rise of the Ronin.' Team Ninja's commitment to depicting the late Edo period's cultural and political turmoil in a compelling open-world action RPG makes it a title worth keeping an eye on, especially for fans of Japanese history and immersive gameplay experiences.
See the complete videogame news list