Fans of the iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise faced unexpected news as PureArts, the Canadian collectible manufacturer, pulled its 6-inch Assassin’s Creed Shadows Yasuke and Naoe figure from shelves. The reason? An “insensitive design” that has stirred controversy. In the gaming community, reactions have been swift and vocal, drawing comparisons between the figure’s design and a “collectible of a church cut in half.”
Originally announced on September 19 as part of their Qlectors lineup, this collectible featured a destroyed Torii gate with the character Naoe standing atop it. However, the depiction of a desecrated Torii gate a sacred symbol deeply rooted in Japanese culture prompted PureArts to rethink their strategy. “We appreciate and have learned from the concerns brought to our attention, and we apologize for the harm this caused,” the company stated in an October 15 announcement. Instead of outright canceling pre-orders, fans will soon get the option to choose between a redesigned statue or to cancel their purchase altogether.
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The Intersection of Art and Respect
The gaming industry often finds itself at the intersection of creativity and cultural sensitivity. The design was labeled as offensive because the Torii gates are prominent in marking entrances to Shinto shrines, making a $70 figure portraying such destruction particularly problematic. Some vocal users on social media expressed astonishment at the oversight, likening it to a collectible that disrespects a church.
PureArts, known for its high-quality figures and deep collaborations with Ubisoft since 2008, has faced significant scrutiny before. This isn’t the first controversy the Assassin’s Creed Shadows has encountered. Earlier this year, developers had to address criticisms from Japanese fans regarding the portrayal of Yasuke, a historical figure depicted as a samurai warrior. In addition, Ubisoft previously apologized to a reenactment group for using their banner in promotional materials without consent. These ongoing issues highlight the complex landscape of cultural representation in gaming.
What Lies Ahead for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
As players await the remake of this figure, it’s crucial to recognize the influence of community feedback in shaping the gaming world. With plans set for the next Assassin’s Creed installment to hit the market on February 14, 2025, PureArts is likely to unveil the redesigned collectible soon. It raises the question how will developers keep diving deeper into cultural narratives while respecting their roots?
In summary, while the gaming community loves collectibles, the demand for sensitivity and respect in representation will continue to shape how future offerings are designed. Keep your eyes peeled, for the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to expand, but this time with a much more thoughtful approach.
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