"Assassin's Creed Shadows Censored in Japan"

Ubisoft's latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows), has been rated CERO Z by Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), leading to significant changes for its Japanese release. This article delves into the alterations made to AC Shadows in Japan and their implications for both domestic and international audiences.

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

Ubisoft Japan took to Twitter (X) to announce that AC Shadows has been granted a CERO Z rating, which means the Japanese version will differ from the North American and European editions. Specifically, the Japanese release will omit all instances of dismemberment and decapitation, and modify depictions of wounds and severed body parts. Additionally, some parts of the Japanese audio in the overseas version will be altered, though the specific changes remain undisclosed.

In contrast, the overseas versions of AC Shadows will include an option to toggle these graphic elements on or off, giving players the flexibility to tailor their gaming experience.

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

A CERO Z rating indicates that the game is deemed suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, restricting its sale and distribution to those under 18. CERO assesses games based on four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression. Games that don't meet these guidelines are not rated unless developers make the necessary modifications.

While excessive violence was cited as a reason for the CERO Z rating, other factors contributing to this classification were not specified. Historically, the Assassin’s Creed series has often faced similar ratings due to its violent themes, as seen with AC Valhalla and AC Origins.

CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has led several companies to either modify their games or forego a Japanese release altogether. For instance, The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake did not receive CERO ratings, prompting their developers to cancel their launches in Japan. EA Japan’s General Manager, Shaun Noguchi, expressed frustration over these decisions, highlighting the inconsistency with other games like Stellar Blade, which received a rating despite similar content.

Changes In Yasuke's Description In Game Store Pages

In addition to content modifications, AC Shadows also experienced changes in the description of Yasuke, one of its main protagonists. On the Steam and PS 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 change follows backlash Ubisoft faced in 2024 over Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed these concerns, emphasizing the company's focus on entertainment for a broad audience without pushing specific agendas. The inclusion of historical figures like Yasuke aligns with the series' tradition of incorporating real-life characters into its narratives.

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