Ubisoft Confirms Day-One Patch for Assassin's Creed Shadows Amid Japan Concerns

IGN has confirmed that Ubisoft has quietly prepared a day-one patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows that introduces several important changes, particularly to temples and shrines. Ubisoft provided IGN with the patch notes, which were not part of any public announcement.

The patch notes for Assassin’s Creed Shadows' day-one update include a range of improvements and fixes:

- Players no longer getting stuck inside movable objects after dodging forward and interacting with them in kofuns
- Fix for procedural weapons being removed incorrectly when selling items
- Adjustments to prevent players from going out of bounds when proning against objects
- Improved horse navigation, reducing issues with turning and blocked paths
- Lighting adjustments for cave, kofun, and architectural entrances/exits
- Fixes for cloth clipping on Yasuke’s outfits (while riding) and Naoe’s outfits (while crouching)
- Citizens without weapons no longer bleed when attacked, reducing unintended blood spill in temples/shrines
- Tables and racks in temples/shrines are now indestructible (Some objects like drums or bowls can still be broken as they are generic ones present everywhere in the world) (Tables are still dynamic objects, so players can still move/push them)

The key highlight is the change to tables and racks in temples and shrines, making them indestructible. Ubisoft emphasized that this day-one patch is for all players globally, not just Japan-specific. However, this particular change appears to be a direct response to the controversy surrounding the game in Japan.

On March 19, during an official government conference, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba responded to concerns about Assassin’s Creed Shadows raised by Hiroyuki Kada, a Japanese politician and member of the House of Councillors. Kada, who is campaigning for re-election, expressed worries that the game's depiction of real-world locations could encourage disrespectful behavior:

"I fear that allowing players to attack and destroy real-world locations in the game without permission could encourage similar behavior in real life. Shrine officials and local residents are also worried about this. Of course, freedom of expression must be respected, but acts that demean local cultures should be avoided."

Prime Minister Ishiba responded by emphasizing the need for legal discussions with various ministries:

"How to address this legally is something we need to discuss with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Defacing a shrine is out of the question - it is an insult to the nation itself. When the Self-Defense Forces were deployed to Samawah, Iraq, we ensured they studied Islamic customs beforehand. Respecting the culture and religion of a country is fundamental, and we must make it clear that we will not simply accept acts that disregard them."

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The shrine depicted in pre-release gameplay videos of Assassin's Creed Shadows is Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, which falls within Kada’s constituency. Kada confirmed that Ubisoft did not seek permission from shrine representatives to feature the shrine in the game.

Masaki Ogushi, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, mentioned that government agencies would collaborate if the shrine seeks consultation. However, under Japan's Constitution, Ubisoft's use of the shrine in a work of artistic expression would likely be legally permissible.

The responses from both ministers were somewhat vague and unlikely to lead to specific actions, especially given Ubisoft's proactive approach with the day-one patch. The patch is not yet live in-game, as per IGN's tests.

Despite the game's situation in Japan, there is significant pressure on Assassin's Creed Shadows to perform well globally for Ubisoft, following delays and the commercial disappointment of last year’s Star Wars Outlaws. Ubisoft has faced several challenges, including high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations leading up to the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows.

IGN's review of Assassin’s Creed Shadows awarded it an 8/10, stating: "By sharpening the edges of its existing systems, Assassin’s Creed Shadows creates one of the best versions of the open-world style it’s been honing for the last decade."