Assassin's Creed Shadows Sparks Backlash
After displaying Zoro's sword at Japan Expo۔
When it comes to gaming, long-running franchises like Assassin's Creed often encounter controversy. This year, Assassin's Creed Shadows is in the spotlight as it promises to take fans to Japan. However, after its recent appearance at Japan Expo, the upcoming Ubisoft game is under fire for seemingly stealing from Roronoa Zoro.
Yes, you read that right. We're talking about One Piece. Assassin's Creed Shadows was at Japan Expo this past weekend, hosting an immersive experience for fans. The booth displayed many Japanese artifacts, and the katana collection included a blade that looked very familiar to fans.
Assassin's Creed FR (@AssassinsFR) July 11, 2024
The booth displayed Zoro's Kitetsu, and fans quickly identified the blade on Amazon. From the sword to its stand, the Assassin's Creed booth appeared to have taken Zoro's sword without much effort. Convention attendees reported that the booth claimed the sword belonged to Yasuke, a character in Assassin's Creed Shadows, but that's not quite accurate.
This poaching issue doesn't extend to the game itself. So far, footage of Assassin's Creed Shadows hasn't shown a katana resembling Kitetsu or any other sword from One Piece. However, the use of Zoro's sword has angered some fans who believe Ubisoft hasn't properly researched Japanese culture. Recently, concept art for Assassin's Creed Shadows featured a real-world flag belonging to a historical reenactment group in Japan, which was used without permission. Now, Sekigahara Teppo-tai, the group, is asking for the flag to be removed from the game. This blunder with Zoro's sword only adds to the controversy.
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Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to launch in November 2024. The game is set at the end of the Sengoku period in Japan, following two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, as they navigate 16th-century Japan and resist the Templar Order's incursion.
Do you plan on checking out Assassin's Creed Shadows? Let us know on X, Facebook, or Instagram. You can also reach out to us to share your thoughts.
Assassin's Creed Shadows faces backlash over One Piece sword controversy after displaying Zoro's sword at Japan Expo.
