Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets Censored in Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating in Japan, resulting in the removal of dismemberment and decapitation. This article details the content differences between the Japanese and international releases.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Rating in Japan

Content Changes in the Japanese Version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that Assassin’s Creed Shadows received a CERO Z rating from Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). Consequently, the Japanese version will differ from international releases (North America/Europe).

Specifically, the Japanese version removes all instances of dismemberment and decapitation. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been altered. While some changes to the Japanese audio dub have been confirmed, specifics haven't been disclosed.

The international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via the game's settings menu.

CERO Z Rating and its Implications

A CERO Z rating signifies that the game's content is suitable only for players aged 18 and older, prohibiting sales and distribution to younger audiences. CERO's ratings system considers four categories: sex, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology.

Games failing to meet CERO's guidelines will not receive a rating, necessitating developer modifications for compliance. While the statement cites excessive violence, other factors contributing to the Z rating remain unspecified.

This isn't the first time the Assassin's Creed series has encountered this; many titles, including AC Valhalla and AC Origins, have received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content and themes.

CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has consistently posed challenges for game releases in Japan. Several companies, unwilling to compromise, have opted against Japanese releases. For instance, The Callisto Protocol's 2022 Japanese release was canceled due to disagreements over CERO's requested changes. Similarly, the Dead Space Remake (2023) lacked a CERO rating, with EA Japan expressing frustration over the inconsistencies in CERO's application of its guidelines.

Changes to Yasuke's In-Game Description

The description of Yasuke, a main protagonist, has also been altered on Japanese Steam and PlayStation Store pages. The term "samurai" (侍) has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows 2024 backlash surrounding the use of "black samurai" in previous descriptions, a point of contention within Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously stated the company's focus is on entertainment for the widest audience, aiming to avoid pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed storylines, including figures like the Pope and Queen Victoria, is not a new practice for the developers.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more information, visit our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.