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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesA Change.org petition launched on June 19, 2024, asked Ubisoft to cancel Assassin’s Creed Shadows, arguing that its portrayal of Japanese history and culture—especially Yasuke—showed insufficient accuracy and respect. Those are the petition author’s claims, not conclusions established by the petition itself. Ubisoft responded on July 23, 2024, and the game was released on March 20, 2025.
What did the petition ask Ubisoft to do?
The Change.org campaign, titled “アサシンクリードシャドウズの発売中止を求めます” (“Petition to stop the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows”), names Shimizu Toru as its initiator and gives June 19, 2024 as its creation date. Its language asks Ubisoft to “immediately cancel the release” and calls for “serious research and respect for Japanese history and culture.” Read the petition on Change.org.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive), PlayStation 5 | $61.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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![Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cgBmgsqGL._SL160_.jpg)
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Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5] | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Art of Assassin's Creed Shadows | $29.69 | Buy on Amazon |
The author argued that the game lacked historical accuracy and cultural respect, focusing particularly on Yasuke’s portrayal. These statements describe the campaign’s position; they are not, on their own, historical evidence or proof of what Japanese people generally think. The available sources do not establish the signers’ nationalities or show that the campaign represented a majority view in Japan.
How many people signed it?
The count depends on when it was observed. PCGamesInsider reported more than 94,000 signatures on July 24, 2024, the day after Ubisoft’s statement. The Change.org page displayed 105,819 supporters when observed on October 8, 2026. The latter is a live page figure, not a record of the total when the petition began. Neither number establishes signers’ demographics or the campaign’s representativeness. PCGamesInsider’s July 24, 2024 report
#1 Best Overall
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
What did Ubisoft say?
In a July 23, 2024 message to the Japanese community, the Assassin’s Creed Shadows development team described the game as historical fiction rather than a factual account of history or historical figures. Ubisoft said it had worked with external consultants, historians, researchers and Ubisoft Japan teams, and apologized for promotional elements that had caused concern. The statement also said the team would continue to listen to feedback. Ubisoft’s message to the Japanese community
On Yasuke, Ubisoft characterized the portrayal as a creative interpretation while explicitly acknowledging that depicting him as a samurai was “a matter of debate and discussion.” The statement also described Naoe as a Japanese shinobi and the other lead character, with a different gameplay style. This explains Ubisoft’s stated creative approach; it does not resolve the historical debate.
Rank #2
- Experience an epic, historical action adventure in feudal Japan and become a deadly Shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open game world in chaotic times
- Sneak as a Naoe to not be discovered, use your agility to confuse your opponents and stretch down your opponents with deadly precision and power as a Yasuke
- Use information as weapons and build your own spy network to have eyes and ears everywhere and find your targets easier and recruit new allies on the go with unique skills to help you with your missions
- Create a fully customizable hideaway for your growing Shinobi league, where you train recruits, craft new equipment and interact with important characters; set the room layout, decoration and accessories yourself
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.“Assassin’s Creed Shadows is first and foremost, designed to be an entertaining video game that tells a compelling, historical fiction set in Feudal Japan.”
— Assassin’s Creed Shadows Development Team, July 23, 2024
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Rank #3
Was the game released?
Yes. Assassin’s Creed Shadows was released on March 20, 2025; GameSpot’s listing includes PS5 among its platforms. GameSpot later reported that the game reached five million players five months after launch, attributing that figure to Ubisoft. The release and player count show what happened afterward, but they do not demonstrate whether the petition affected Ubisoft’s decisions or the game’s performance. GameSpot’s listing and reporting on Assassin’s Creed Shadows
What the controversy does—and does not—show
The petition documents a specific campaign and its author’s objections; Ubisoft’s statement documents the company’s response and explanation of its creative intent. The game’s later release establishes that Ubisoft did not cancel it. The available evidence does not establish that the petition caused any decision about the game, that it represented Japanese public opinion, or that its historical claims are settled facts.
A 2026 doctoral thesis in the University of Kent repository discusses broader objections to the game, including interactions at religious sites and a later patch. Those topics provide context for criticism beyond the original petition, but should not be mistaken for claims necessarily made in that June 2024 campaign. University of Kent research repository
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