Ubisoft has quietly released a day-one patch for Assassin's Creed Shadows addressing several key issues, including concerns about the depiction of temples and shrines. IGN obtained the patch notes, which were not publicly announced by Ubisoft.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Day-One Patch Notes:
This update includes various improvements and fixes:
- Resolved an issue where players could get stuck inside movable objects after dodging and interacting in kofuns.
- Fixed a bug causing procedural weapons to be incorrectly removed when selling items.
- Implemented adjustments to prevent players from going out of bounds while proning against objects.
- Improved horse navigation, reducing issues with turning and blocked paths.
- Adjusted lighting in caves, kofuns, and architectural entrances/exits.
- Fixed cloth clipping issues on Yasuke's outfits (while riding) and Naoe's outfits (while crouching).
- Citizens without weapons no longer bleed when attacked, minimizing unintended blood effects in temples and shrines.
- Tables and racks in temples and shrines are now indestructible. (Note: Some smaller objects like drums or bowls remain breakable.) Tables remain dynamic and can still be moved or pushed.
This last point—making tables and racks in temples and shrines indestructible—is significant. While Ubisoft assures IGN the patch applies to all players, not just those in Japan, the timing suggests a response to recent controversy.
On March 19th, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed concerns about Assassin's Creed Shadows during a government meeting. The concerns, raised by Japanese politician Hiroyuki Kada, centered on the potential for in-game actions to encourage real-world actions against shrines. Kada expressed worry about the depiction of the Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture (within Kada's constituency), noting that Ubisoft did not seek permission to use it. While Prime Minister Ishiba and Vice Minister Masaki Ogushi acknowledged the concerns and indicated a willingness to discuss the matter, their responses were non-committal. Legally, Ubisoft's use of the shrine in a work of artistic expression is likely protected under the Japanese Constitution.
Despite this, the day-one patch, which IGN has yet to see live in-game, appears to be a proactive measure by Ubisoft. The game's success in Japan, and globally, is crucial for Ubisoft following recent setbacks including the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations. IGN's review of Assassin's Creed Shadows awarded it an 8/10, praising its refined open-world gameplay.
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