Ubisoft Japan issued a formal apology for using a Japanese reenactment group’s banner in their Assassin’s Creed Shadows game.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
In the middle of June, Ubisoft was accused of stealing the banner of the Sekigahara Teppo Corps. As noted by former World of Warcraft Team Lead Mark Kern, the banner was seen worn by a solider in the game.
This is the banner Ubisoft used without permission.
Video is here: https://t.co/7x3GSi63gn pic.twitter.com/S1V0DRct3h
— Grummz (@Grummz) June 18, 2024
READ: Ubisoft Accused Of Stealing Banner From Japanese Reenactment Group For ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’
A member of the group was informed about the back flag and confirmed it was indeed the group’s flag. As translated by Google on X, he wrote, “I heard a little bit about it, but it seems that the Sekigahara rifle corps was used as the background for the concept art for Assassin’s Creed Shadow. I actually took a look at it, and when I zoomed in I could definitely see the back flag that we use. Honestly, I’m not sure how to react.”
Matchlock_kage on X
He also shared that the group was contemplating filing a lawsuit, but indicated that the group is made entirely of volunteers and is not a profit-making entity.
He stated, “Thank you so much for all your comments. We do not engage in profit-making activities and are run almost entirely by volunteers from the general public. Many people are of the opinion that we should sue, but would we have to cover the costs and effort? I’m glad that you care about it, but…”
Matchlock_kage on X
He would go on to reveal he contacted Ubisoft Japan and informed them they should seek permission to use the back flag, “I registered as a user and contacted Ubisoft’s Japan support via inquiry form. I told them that the concept art depicts the ‘Sekigahara rifle corps’ flag’ and that if they wanted to officially use it, they should contact the representative.”
Matchlock_kage on X
Ubisoft Japan has now officially apologized for using the back flag and noted the art featuring the banner will no longer be distributed aside from an artbook for the game’s Collector’s Edition.
As translated by Google, Ubisoft Japan posted on X, “We have received notice that two pieces of concept art previously released for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows use the flag of the Sekigahara Battlefield Hospitality Union “Sekigahara Rifle Corps” without permission. The group was given the opportunity to apologize, and it was accepted.” This is likely an issue with the translation and it is probably better interpreted as “The group gave us the opportunity to apologize, and it was accepted.”
Ubisoft Japan added, “The art in question will not be used or distributed any further beyond this date, except for being included in the artbook in the Collector’s Edition. We deeply apologize for this matter.”
Ubisoft Japan on X
What do you make of Ubisoft Japan apologizing for using the banner of the Sekigahara Teppo Corps without permission?
