Ubisoft Apologizes for Plagiarism in AC: Shadows Concept Artworks
Ubisoft had to apologize to a Japanese historical group for using their flag, but gamers aren't happy that the announcement was published only by the company's Japan branch.
Ubisoft apologized for using real flags in Assassin's Creed: Shadows concept art. The statement on this matter first appeared on the official account of the Japanese branch of the publisher on X (via Reddit).
As reported, it is about the flag of Sekigahara Teppo-tai (Sekigahara Rifle Corps), a historical group that reenacts the Battle of Sekigahara. This appeared on two concept art included in the set of game illustrations - one of the bonuses included with the AC: Shadows Collector's Edition.
Accusations of using this flag first appeared in June (via X), but the organization formally contacted Ubisoft only on July 3rd. In response, in addition to apologizing, Ubisoft assured that these graphics would no longer be used or distributed, except for the Assassin's Creed: Shadows Collector's Edition.
Too literal copy-paste?
Although the group itself agreed to this solution, Internet users aren't thrilled with the whole situation. Since the announcement of the new "Assassin," Ubisoft has found itself in the crosshairs of players who accused - more or less justifiably - of not keeping to the historical truth.
Ignoring the validity of specific accusations, another aspect has emerged in the shadow of these allegations: the suspicion that the developers of AC Shadows didn't make much effort in the initial research phase during conceptual work. The fact that the artists used the flag of a contemporary organization, which didn't exist during the events depicted in the game, is supposed to be another proof in support of this thesis. Let's add: "one of many."
One of the illustrations is supposed to be largely based on real photos - and we don't mean inspiration here. As shown by the quite numerous user posts on X, many elements of graphics were almost directly transferred from photos, apparently found using Google's search engine.
What irritates players even more, however, is the fact that the apology to the Sekigahara Teppo-ta group only appeared on the Ubisoft Japan account. The announcement was addressed to the Japanese group, but the matter concerns the Collector's Edition, which will be available worldwide, and Ubisoft Japan itself isn't directly responsible for the mistakes of the devs of AC: Shadows (via X).
Assassin's Creed: Shadows will be released on November 15 on PC, PS5, and XSX/S.
