Ubisoft Apology for Using Historical Re-Enactment Group Flag in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Not Enough, Group Says [IGN]

Ubisoft’s apology for using a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group in artwork for Assassin’s Creed Shadows without permission isn’t good enough, the group has said.

As reported by Automaton, Sekigahara Teppo-tai, a historical re-enactment group made up of volunteers who perform to the public at festivals and other events, published a statement on X/Twitter saying it would also like its image, essentially copied one for one, removed from the printed physical art book featured in the Collector’s Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft is selling this edition for $279.99.

Eagle-eyed fans initially noticed the identical recreation of the flag, which can be seen below, in a piece of concept art for the Japan-set Assassin’s Creed released alongside its full reveal. It was raised to a leading member of the Sekigahara Teppo-tai, X/Twitter user @matchlock_kage, who posted a photo of the real flag taken on October 27, 2019, and expressed concern at it being used by Ubisoft without permission.

Ubisoft apologized and said it will no longer use the associated artwork (though the nature of the internet means it will be infinitely shared anyway) with one exception: the presumably already printed physical art book.

However, this apology was deemed not enough for the historical re-enactment group. “The Sekigahara Teppo-tai members discussed the matter again,” X/Twitter user @matchlock_kage said in another post. “We have asked Ubisoft to remove the image from the Collector’s Edition art book. I’m not sure if this will be possible but I’ve contacted Ubisoft through their support.” Ubisoft is yet to respond, but IGN has asked for comment.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows was fully revealed in May 2024 as a Japan-set entry where players take control of two protagonists: the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the action-orientated Yasuke, who is a real figure from Japanese history.

IGN had a wealth of exclusive content on the reveal, and you can read about all the gameplay changes, story beats, and open-world assassinating coming with Shadows in our extensive interview with the development team.

If that’s not enough, check our analysis and explanation of where and when Shadows is set and 40 key details we’ve learned about the game. You can also watch our full breakdown of the cinematic trailer to discover all its hidden details, Easter eggs, and more.

Shadows launches November 12, 2024 for those buying the Gold, Ultimate, Deluxe Editions, or Collector’s Editions, while the Standard Edition is available on November 15, 2024.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.