Ubisoft's upcoming title, Assassin's Creed Shadows, has sparked significant discussion, particularly concerning the involvement of Sachi Schmidt-Hori, an Ivy League professor brought in to ensure historical accuracy for the game set in Japan. Initially skeptical of Ubisoft's repeated outreach, she eventually became a vital contributor. However, following the game's reveal in May 2024, Schmidt-Hori faced extensive online harassment related to her academic background and contributions to the project. As backlash ensued, the cultural implications of the game and her role sparked fierce debate within gaming communities, highlighting ongoing issues surrounding representation and identity in the industry. Schmidt-Hori's experiences shed light on both the potential and challenges of collaborating on culturally sensitive projects in the gaming world while emphasizing the importance of authenticity in gameplay.
Despite the controversy, Schmidt-Hori's resilient approach led her to engage with some of her critics, allowing for constructive dialogue that ultimately mitigated some tensions. Her story underscores the nuanced relationship between gaming, academic expertise, and cultural representation.
What challenges did Sachi Schmidt-Hori face while working on Assassin’s Creed Shadows?Sachi Schmidt-Hori faced significant backlash and online harassment due to her involvement in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, primarily stemming from her public academic profile and the game's cultural themes. Critics targeted her based on misinterpretations of her contributions, expressing hostility over her perceived complicity in undermining Asian male representation in media. She navigated these challenges by seeking dialogue with some critics, which helped to lessen the tension and misunderstandings.
Assassin's Creed is a long-standing franchise known for blending historical themes with interactive storytelling. With Shadows, Ubisoft aims to explore new narrative avenues, particularly by incorporating diverse perspectives, such as that of Yasuke, a historical figure regarded as one of the first samurai of African descent. This innovative approach has sparked debate among fans regarding cultural authenticity and representation, making the game's development background particularly relevant as the industry evolves.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
It’s frustrating yet unsurprising to see an academic like Schmidt-Hori get dragged into gamer outrage just for doing her job—meanwhile, the same crowd would riot if the game got historical details wrong. Her ability to engage with critics instead of just blocking them shows a level of grace the internet rarely deserves.
(Also, can we just appreciate how cool it is to finally get a deep dive into Yasuke’s story Ubisoft’s taking risks, and I’m here for it.)
It’s wild how gaming discourse can flip from demanding historical accuracy to attacking the experts who provide it—Schmidt-Hori’s experience really highlights that double standard. Props to her for turning toxicity into dialogue, though; that’s a level of patience most of us wouldn’t have in a Twitter feud.
(Also, Yasuke as a samurai Hell yeah, inject that fresh historical hype into my veins.)