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). This means significant content differences exist between the Japanese and international (North America/Europe) versions.

The Japanese version removes all instances of dismemberment and decapitation. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been altered. While specific changes to the Japanese audio dub haven't been detailed, modifications have been confirmed.

Conversely, the international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via the in-game settings menu.

CERO Z Rating and its Implications

A CERO Z rating restricts the game's sale and distribution to individuals aged 18 and above. CERO's rating system considers four key categories: sex, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO's guidelines won't receive a rating, necessitating developer modifications for Japanese release. While excessive violence is cited, the statement doesn't specify other contributing factors to the Z rating.

This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin’s Creed franchise; many titles, including AC Valhalla and AC Origins, have previously received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content and themes.

CERO's stringent approach to gore and dismemberment has consistently posed challenges for game releases in Japan. Some developers have opted against compliance, foregoing a Japanese release entirely. The Callisto Protocol (2022) and the Dead Space Remake (2023) are notable examples of games that didn't receive CERO ratings and were therefore not released in Japan.

Changes to Yasuke's Description

The Japanese Steam and PlayStation Store listings for AC Shadows have also seen a change in Yasuke's description. 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" to describe Yasuke, a contentious point in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously stated the company's focus on broad audience entertainment, clarifying that their goal isn't to promote any specific agenda. The use of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed storylines, including figures like the Pope and Queen Victoria, is well-established.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated 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.