Amid Japan Concern About Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft Confirms Day-One Patch That Makes Tables and Racks in Temples and Shrines Indestructible

Ubisoft has quietly released a day-one patch for Assassin's Creed Shadows addressing several key issues, including concerns raised 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:

• Fixes an issue where players became stuck inside movable objects after dodging and interacting.
• Addresses a bug causing the incorrect removal of procedural weapons when selling items.
• Improvements to prevent players from going out of bounds while proning.
• Enhanced horse navigation, reducing turning and path-blocking issues.
• Lighting adjustments for caves, kofuns, and building entrances/exits.
• Fixes cloth clipping issues on Yasuke's (while riding) and Naoe's (while crouching) outfits.
• Unarmed citizens no longer bleed when attacked, minimizing unintended blood effects in temples/shrines.
• Tables and racks in temples/shrines are now indestructible (though other breakable objects remain).

A significant change involves making tables and racks in temples and shrines indestructible. While Ubisoft stated the patch applies to all players, not just those in Japan, this specific alteration appears to be a direct response to controversy surrounding the game's depiction of Japanese locations.

This controversy stemmed from comments made by Japanese politician Hiroyuki Kada during a government conference. Kada expressed concerns about the potential for in-game actions to influence real-world behavior, particularly regarding the depiction of Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji. He noted that Ubisoft did not seek permission to use the shrine's likeness or name.

While government responses were vague, suggesting further discussion among ministries, Ubisoft's proactive patch may preempt further action. IGN's testing indicates the patch isn't yet live in-game.

The success of Assassin's Creed Shadows carries significant weight for Ubisoft, following delays and the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws and other recent projects. IGN's review awarded the game an 8/10, praising its refined open-world gameplay.