"Assassin's Creed Shadows Censored in Japan"

Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been granted a CERO Z rating by Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), leading to significant content modifications for its Japanese release. This rating, which restricts the game to audiences aged 18 and above, means that the Japanese version of AC Shadows will omit dismemberment and decapitation scenes. Additionally, depictions of wounds and severed body parts will be altered, and certain parts of the Japanese audio in the overseas version will be changed, though specifics remain undisclosed.

In contrast, the overseas editions of AC Shadows, available in North America and Europe, will include an option to toggle the graphic depictions of dismemberment and decapitation within the game's settings menu. This flexibility allows players to customize their gaming experience according to their preferences.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Japanese Version Removes Dismemberment And Decapitation

Ubisoft Japan shared this update via their Twitter (X) account, highlighting the differences between the Japanese and international versions of the game. The necessity for these modifications stems from CERO's stringent content guidelines, which are categorized into sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression. Games that do not comply with these guidelines are not rated by CERO, prompting developers to make necessary adjustments.

This is not the first instance of the Assassin's Creed series facing such scrutiny from CERO. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes. The issue of gore and dismemberment has been a recurring challenge for game developers aiming to release their products in Japan. Some companies, like Striking Distance with The Callisto Protocol in 2022 and EA Motive with the Dead Space Remake in 2023, have opted not to release their games in Japan rather than comply with CERO's demands.

Assassin’s Creed Rated CERO Z In Japan, Only Suitable For 18+ Ages

The CERO Z rating underscores the game's content as suitable only for adults, prohibiting sales to those under 18. While the rating primarily addresses the game's violent content, other elements contributing to this classification were not specified in the statement.

Changes In Yasuke's Description In Game Store Pages

Another notable change in AC Shadows pertains to the description of Yasuke, one of the game's protagonists. On the Steam and PlayStation store pages, when viewed in Japanese, the term "samurai" (侍) used to describe Yasuke has been replaced with "騎当千" or "Ikki tousen," translating to "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This alteration follows backlash in 2024 regarding Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has addressed these concerns, emphasizing the company's focus on entertainment for a broad audience without pushing any specific agenda. The inclusion of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games is a well-established practice, as seen with characters like the Pope or Queen Victoria.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. For more details on the game, visit our dedicated Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.