Enough With the Samurais
The announcement of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a game set in feudal Japan, sparked some predictable discussions about Asian representation in video games. However, focusing solely on the presence of a Black samurai, Yasuke, as the protagonist feels like a missed opportunity. Instead of merely adding a token Asian character, developers should strive for deeper representation, exploring diverse narratives and characters beyond the stereotypical samurai archetype.
The abundance of samurai-centric games already available highlights a worrying trend. Titles like Sekiro, Like a Dragon: Ishin!, and various Samurai Warriors entries demonstrate that the samurai trope is well-trodden ground. It’s a tired narrative, and expecting significant innovation in a game revolving around the same well-worn concept feels unrealistic. This desire for novel, nuanced characters often takes a backseat to generic action sequences, leaving character development underdeveloped and predictable.
Instead of focusing on a well-worn path, the developers should explore wider horizons. The potential for diverse stories in Japan isn’t limited to the samurai. Exploring other historical periods, like the Mongol Empire, post-revolution China, or even the Pacific Theater during WWII, offers a rich tapestry of possibilities.
Wow, Cool Sword
The issue isn’t simply the absence of Asian representation; it’s the lack of diversity within that representation. An Asian character, even a historically significant one like Yasuke, isn’t inherently representative of all the nuances within the Asian community. The tendency to fall back on tropes like the samurai reduces characters to simple archetypes rather than fully realized individuals.
- The focus on “cool” characters, often associated with iconic weaponry like the katana, drives the design choices of many AAA games.
- While the visual appeal of iconic swords is undeniable, the inherent limitations of these tropes often result in a homogenized portrayal of characters.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise, with its time-hopping nature, could potentially explore diverse settings without resorting to the familiar. The game could shift its focus from feudal Japan to other periods and locations within Asia, or even venture into other cultures and historical settings. Imaginative choices like that offer greater chances of introducing fresh narratives.
We Mustn’t Be Afraid to Dream a Little Bigger
The discussion surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows shouldn’t be about the presence or absence of a particular type of protagonist. Instead, it should catalyze a broader conversation about diverse representation beyond tired tropes. The desire for a more representative game shouldn’t be limited to a samurai-in-a-game archetype.
The appeal for more Asian characters shouldn’t be confined to a particular archetype. The goal isn’t to simply add an Asian protagonist; it’s to expand the range of characters and narratives in games. This includes a desire to see an Asian protagonist in a horror game, an Asian lead in a Star Wars project, or a diverse representation across all genres.
AAA game developers often rely on familiar tropes, like the samurai, to appeal to a wider audience. However, this approach inevitably limits the potential for diverse stories and characters. The need is to imagine beyond the familiar, to break free from established molds and embrace characters who represent the rich tapestry of human experiences.
Ultimately, true representation isn’t about a specific character type but about the range of stories and experiences we can see reflected in our games. It’s time to look beyond the katana and embrace a more diverse, inclusive vision for the future of gaming.
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