One of the big PlayStation games in 2024 will not reach one of the most important markets for video games. Sony Interactive Entertainment Korea announced that the game Rise of The Ronin for PS5 will not go on sale in South Korea—not even in its digital version— and although they did not give the official cause, everything seems to be related to the controversy unleashed in that country by a comment from the game director.
There has always been great political tension between Korea and Japan due to the invasions that the Japanese country initiated against the peninsula at various times in its history and the denial of war crimes committed against its inhabitants. This usually sparks constant controversies due to the way in which Japan represents historical elements in its works. For example, in 2022 they strongly criticized the ‘anime’ Ousama Ranking
In the case of Rise of The Roninthe controversy with South Korea originated due to a comment from director Fumihiko Yasuda in a video about the game’s development. In this, the developer compares the Japanese thinker Yoshida Shoin with the Greek philosopher Socrates
The problem is that Shoin’s philosophy was actually an ultranationalist ideology. He advocated strengthening Japan by invading other Asian nations, especially Korea.. It was following this ideology that multiple atrocities were committed in that country.
Obviously, the comment did not sit well with Korean gamers. They called for a boycott of the game and other titles developed by Team Ninja.
We clarify that this is not the official reason why Rise of The Ronin It will not be released for PS5 in Korea, but it is understandable that Sony does not want to add fuel to the fire of this controversy.
In other countries, this game will go on sale on March 22, 2024.
