Ubisoft has issued a formal apology on Twitter AKA X after using a Japanese historical re-enactment group’s flag in a piece of concept art for Assassin’s Creed Shadows without asking for permission.

As reported by Siliconera, Ubisoft Japan admitted that they used the flag in two pieces of art without permission. They have since apologized to the flag’s owner, Sekigahara Teppo-tai, which is a historical re-enactment group made up of volunteers who perform to the public at festivals and other events.

You can compare the one from the game’s concept art below:

And the real one below:

Ubisoft said that they will no longer use the flag in the actual game. However, the physical art book for the game has already been printed and will be featured in the Collector’s Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Led by Ubisoft Québec (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey), Assassin’s Creed Shadows will immerse players in 16th century Japan. The country is heading towards a brutal path to unification, where unrest grows as new coalitions appear and corruptive foreign influences infiltrate the land. 

Players will experience the intertwined stories of Naoe, an adept shinobi Assassin from the Iga Province, and Yasuke, the powerful samurai of historical legend. Discover their personal stories, meet pivotal historical figures, and shape the duo’s common destiny as they usher in a new era for Japan.  

As Naoe and Yasuke, players can master two complementary playstyles, with each character featuring their own progression paths, skills, weapon options, and stats. Whether they embrace Naoe’s stealth skills or Yasuke’s combat prowess, players will have plenty of ways to approach objectives. With Naoe, they will experience refined infiltration mechanics using light, noise, shadows, and changing surroundings to avoid detection from enemies. With Yasuke, they will be able to take on larger groups of enemies with brutal precision. 

The game will let players explore a vast open world with a variety of landscapes evolving through weather and seasons. From spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and pastoral landscapes, feudal Japan comes to life with unprecedented dynamism built from the ground up with the latest version of Anvil engine and the power of new-gen consoles.  

In this troubled period, information is key and will be at the heart of the renewed exploration mechanics. Players will build their own spies’ network to unveil new areas and hunt down targets. Allies with highly specialized skills and abilities can also be recruited to help during missions. The creation of their own customizable hideout will enable players to enhance their network and train their new crew. From base building and layout to decorations and accessories, they will be able to craft a unique place to call home. 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on 15 November 2024.

Check out the latest trailer below: