The Brett Cooper Show The Non-Binary Samurai Game No One Wanted | Episode 19
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Apr 3, 2025 The podcast dives into the controversial portrayal of Yasuke, the first black samurai, in the new Assassin's Creed game, sparking backlash over cultural representation. It critiques the game's quality, highlighting technical flaws and the decline in narrative depth as social messaging takes precedence over gameplay. The discussion also navigates the complex relationship between diversity and gaming, indicating a rift between traditional gamers and developers while questioning the authenticity of new narratives shaped by societal pressures.
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Black Samurai Controversy
- Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, features Yasuke, a black samurai.
- The trailer sparked controversy and confusion among fans last year.
Missed Diversity Opportunity
- Ubisoft's attempt to diversify may have backfired, as focusing on Japanese characters would have achieved greater diversity.
- The controversy surrounding the black samurai overshadowed other concerns.
Development Context
- Keita, a gamer, notes the game's development coincided with the George Floyd protests and DEI initiatives.
- He suggests the choice of Yasuke was influenced by the racially charged climate of 2020.