Assassin's Creed Shadows, now scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, has sparked significant controversy and backlash, which has been a major factor in Ubisoft's stock dropping by 15%. The game, which features dual protagonists—a Japanese shinobi named Naoe and Yasuke, Japan's first Black samurai, has faced criticism over its historical accuracy and representation choices. This controversy has led to a surge of memes and online commentary, with many poking fun at the perceived historical inaccuracies and the game's handling of diversity.
The backlash intensified following the release of the game's trailer, which received a disproportionate number of dislikes compared to likes. This response, along with broader dissatisfaction with Ubisoft's recent performance and strategic decisions, contributed to the sharp decline in the company's stock value. The memes circulating online often highlight fan discontent with Ubisoft's approach, combining humor with criticism of the company's perceived prioritization of diversity initiatives over game quality and historical fidelity.