Why Hasn‘t Assassin‘s Creed Gone to Feudal Japan Yet?

For over a decade, Assassin’s Creed fans have urgently wanted a ninja-themed entry set in medieval Japan. However, developers Ubisoft have continuously resisted calls for such a setting due to concerns over creative authenticity, novelty, and fierce competition. But with news leaking of a future game subtitled “Codename Red” taking place there, what factors explain this years-long hesitation? As a gaming enthusiast and historian, I’ve analyzed the key reasons why feudal Japan remains the most requested yet elusive location for the AC franchise.

Reluctance Over an "Oversaturated" Setting

Back in 2012, AC creative director Alex Hutchinson infamously stated Japan would be one of the “worst” settings possible, as he felt it was too generic and overrepresented across games, film and television. Citing his role to choose “interesting” real-world locations overlooked in other media, he doubled down in another interview that internet suggestions of Japan were simply “boring”.

However, fans have continued clamoring for a Japanese AC entry over the last decade regardless, often topping polls of most desired future settings.

This data highlights a sustained interest in the concept. Additionally, the sales performance of Japanese gaming properties counters notions of oversaturation.

As these figures showcase, the Japanese home market has an avid appetite for games evoking local history/culture when executed skillfully. Assassin’s Creed possessing a huge worldwide fanbase, there remains substantial untapped potential despite prior dismissals.

Challenges of Historical Authenticity

Another factor explaining Ubisoft’s hesitance is the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with compelling gameplay. As a pseudo-simulator of the past, the AC series has prided attention to detail and realism in recreated cities/societies.

Transporting signature elements like parkour movements, stealth assassinations and chaotic battles to medieval Japan poses a tougher design challenge compared to European or Middle Eastern settings. As traditional villages were sprawling, wooden structures amidst natural landscapes, less opportunities for vertical street navigation or hiding within crowds exist relative to dense, towering Old World cities.

Regarding character authenticity, crafting a protagonist that fits feudal Japanese class/gender norms yet appeals to modern values is tricky – will they design a stealthy female ninja defiant of patriarchal limits, or a traditional wandering samurai loner?

Either creative choice risks inaccuracy or anachronism issues previous games have weathered backlashes over. Ultimately the setting boasts bountiful history, but repurposing it suitably for AC’s hallmarks requires very delicate handling.

The Looming Shadow of Ghost of Tsushima

After Hutchinson’s controversial remarks first surfaced, fans campaigned Sony for a Japanese-themed assassin title independent of Ubisoft. This fervor directly inspired Ghost of Tsushima, developer SuckerPunch’s acclaimed 2020 blockbuster.

Putting players in sword-wielding samurai Jin Sakai’s shoes amidst the real Mongol invasion of Japan‘s Tsushima Island, its critical and commercial success realized the dreams of frustrated AC loyalists. Blending emotional storytelling with Kurosawa-inspired cinematography, stealth combat and serene exploration, Ghost earned widespread Game of the Year plaudits as a quintessential samurai simulator.

For Ubisoft, its runaway triumph presents a formidable benchmark to match. Any Assassin’s Creed located in Japan risks unfavorable comparisons, especially as Ghost ancillary content and sequels continue fleshing out its vivid take on the Medieval period.

While AC has itself inspired its own imitators before eventually incorporating successful rival features into sequels, SuckerPunch’s acclaimed tone and style will be difficult emulating without seeming derivative. This presents a creative challenge beyond solely recreating distinct architecture and costumes accurately.

The Time is Right to Make Feudal Dreams a Reality

Yet after years of hesitation, it appears Ubisoft is finally ready to venture towards the Land of the Rising Sun. At their 2022 Ubisoft Forward keynote, a brief teaser trailer unveiled Assassin’s Creed: Codename “Red”, reportedly set within feudal Japan. Per insider leaks, players may witness ninjas battling samurai across huge open landscapes during pivotal historical events.

Technologically, the capabilities of new console generations nullify restrictions stifling Japanese AC proposals in prior years. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can render beautifully-detailed bamboo forests and ornate temple complexes impossible on aged hardware. Seamless transitions gliding over Mt. Fuji vistas or swashbuckling across frantic battlefields are now feasible.

Narratively, recent franchise shake-ups also signal greater creative flexibility fitting a Japanese backdrop’s demands, Expanding RPG mechanics seen in 2018’s Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey empower deeper character customization freedom to craft unique heroes that satisfy fan expectations and historical authenticity.

Competitively, Ubisoft witnessing Ghost of Tsushima seize their audience’s imagination will incentivize matching that experience’s emotional high notes and production values. Leveraging next-gen power and the talented transmedia AC universe team offers an avenue towards achieving this goal.

Ultimately as an ardent gamer and history expert, I understand why Japan as an Assassin’s playground has been simultaneously so desired yet elusive. But the pieces now align across technology, fan demand and competitive pressures to finally realize this dream worth waiting for. Whether wielding hidden blades alongside valiant samurai or stealthy ninja, the time for action in the East has come. Ubisoft expanding into the brilliant past of Japanese dynasties would craft an instant classic.