The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduced a new chapter in the franchise, set in 16th-century Japan with two protagonists: Naoe, a fictional female assassin, and Yasuke, a real Black samurai. While praised for its gameplay, the game faced backlash over perceived 'wokeness' and authenticity, particularly targeting Dr. Sachi Schmidt-Hori, a narrative consultant. Despite the criticism, she responded with empathy, engaging with detractors and fostering dialogue, leading to apologies from some critics.