Assassin’s Creed Shadows day one patch detailed, involves destructible shrine adjustments after say over copycats
By Ubisoft has discreetly modified Assassin’s Creed Shadows with a launch day update that involves changes to how players can interact with items during the game’s shrine sections.
The alteration is subtle but notable, as it comes in light of concerns expressed by Japanese lawmaker Hiroyuki Kada, who was discontented with preview images showcasing a player damaging a local shrine in Shadows (thanks to IGN).
Initially, key items in Shadows’ shrines are now indestructible. Ubisoft appears to have released the update alongside the game’s launch last night, which means players likely already have it installed.
The day before this, Kada raised the issue again to elicit a response from the nation’s prime minister. The ensuing details can be found through IGN, with translation provided by IGN Japan colleagues.
“I worry that allowing players to attack and destroy actual locations in the game without consent could lead to similar actions in real life,” Kada stated. “Shrine officials and local inhabitants are also concerned about this. Certainly, freedom of expression must be respected, but actions that degrade local cultures should be avoided.”
According to IGN Japan staff, the context of Kada’s remarks is that Japan has been experiencing a rise in tourism since the country’s post-lockdown reopening, accompanying a broader discussion of “over-tourism” which has led to an increase in vandalism. Kada’s assertion is that Shadows players who have experienced the game may attempt to replicate its violence in real life.
“Defacing a shrine is unacceptable – it is an affront to the nation itself,” stated Japanese prime minister Ishiba the day before last, in response to Kada. “When the Self-Defense Forces were deployed to Samawah, Iraq, we made sure they studied Islamic customs in advance. Respecting the culture and beliefs of a country is crucial, and we must be clear that we will not simply condone actions that disregard them.”
Additionally, the launch day update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows contains a brief list of adjustments previously indicated to arrive on day one.
If you are currently playing Shadows, it’s likely that you already have this update installed. Ubisoft informed Eurogamer that they won’t be publicly highlighting the update beyond confirming that the notes below are accurate:
- Players will no longer become stuck inside movable objects after dodging forward and interacting with them in kofuns
- Fix for procedural weapons being incorrectly removed when selling items
- Adjustments to prevent players from going out of bounds while proning against objects
- Enhanced horse navigation, diminishing issues with turning and obstructed paths
- Lighting adjustments for cave, kofun, and architectural entrances/exits
- Fixes for fabric clipping on Yasuke’s outfits (when riding) and Naoe’s outfits (when crouching)
- Players without weapons will no longer bleed when attacked, reducing unintended blood display in temples/shrines
- Tables and racks in temples/shrines are now