Part 9/11:
This controversy echoes past industry debates about cultural representation. For instance, the release of Ghost of Tsushima on the heels of The Last of Us Part II faced accusations of disrespect towards Japanese culture. Yet, Ghost of Tsushima was embraced by Japanese audiences, highlighting a stark contrast to the reaction to Ubisoft’s approach.
The decision to feature Yasak as a Black Samurai seems primarily motivated by virtue signaling, rather than genuine storytelling, according to critics. The choice appears to avoid authentic representation, instead opting to deflect criticism by introducing a character that is racially diverse but historically inaccurate.