The vagueness of the statement made it open to interpretation, rendering it meaningless. Corporations may struggle with their ‘no viewpoint’ philosophy if tensions continue to rise, potentially due to the lack of a clear stance.
The statement, while claiming to be directed at Japanese fans, was initially posted in English with the Japanese message linked underneath. This highlights Ubisoft’s engagement with the sphere of gaming affected by Gamergate, but the response has been found wanting.
There is uncertainty about whether the character Yasuke was really a samurai, and the debate about historical accuracy seems to stem from the color of his skin. This debate has become wrapped up in a larger crusade, and Ubisoft’s response has given legitimacy to the issue of historical inaccuracy as a codeword.
The gaming industry faces challenges such as long delays, mass layoffs, and a lack of originality, leading to a reliance on cash-generating live-service games. Corporations often maintain a ‘no viewpoint’ stance to avoid alienating any players but end up alienating creative developers and potentially other players as well.
Ubisoft’s response to criticism regarding the inclusion of a Black character in a game was criticized as inadequate for today’s gaming landscape. It is crucial for corporations to understand that certain individuals do not seek to be part of the gaming community but rather aim to create chaos.
While this specific statement might not have a significant impact, it is essential for studios and publishers to improve their abilities to address similar controversies in the future.
