Assassin’s Creed Shadows developer Ubisoft is refusing to remove a banner it stole from a reenactment group for its upcoming artbook for the game, and a representative of the group has revealed he’s contacted Square Enix to get the image removed from the book.
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 officially apologized for using the back flag and noted the art featuring the banner would 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
However, the representative of the reenactment group also asked the flag to be removed from the artwork and revealed that Ubisoft has refused to do so.
He wrote on X, “Since it’s the weekend, I was hoping to receive a reply from support, but there has been no reply as of now. It seems that printing and production of the art book has already begun, so will their response remain the same, that it cannot be deleted?”
Matchlock_kage on X
In a follow-up on July 29th, he revealed Ubisoft refused to remove the flag from the art book, “I received a message from UBIsoft support today. The details are as follows: I printed it out so I can’t delete it now. It’s difficult to make out the text from the image. The image has been deleted from the system managed by UBIsoft. I’m sorry I couldn’t meet your request. In bullet points, that’s what happened.”
Matchlock_kage on X
READ: Ubisoft Releases Statement To Japanese Players Amidst Massive Backlash To ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’
While Ubisoft has refused to remove the image from the artbook, Matchlock_kage indicated he’s now contacting Square Enix, the prospective publisher of the art book, to have it removed.
He wrote on X, “Since it seemed like we would not be able to make progress with UBI Software alone, we contacted Square Enix, the company that will be distributing the game in Japan, for support.”
Matchlock_kage on X
What do you make of Ubisoft refusing to remove the flag from its artbook?
