"Assassin's Creed Shadows Censored in Japan"

Discover how the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been altered for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating and facing content modifications. Learn more about the impact on the game both in Japan and internationally.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Game Rating In Japan

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

Ubisoft Japan recently shared on Twitter (X) that Assassin's Creed Shadows has been awarded a CERO Z rating by Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This rating necessitates content adjustments for the Japanese market, differentiating it from the versions available in North America and Europe.

In the Japanese edition of AC Shadows, graphic elements such as dismemberment and decapitation have been entirely removed. Additionally, depictions of wounds and severed body parts have been altered. Some changes have also been made to the Japanese audio in the international version, though specific details about these modifications remain undisclosed.

Conversely, the international release of AC Shadows includes an option to toggle these graphic elements on or off, allowing players to customize their experience.

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

The CERO Z rating signifies that Assassin's Creed Shadows is deemed suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting sales and distribution to those under 18. CERO assesses games based on four key categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression.

Games that do not comply with CERO's guidelines are not rated, requiring developers to make necessary modifications. While the rating primarily addresses the game's violent content, other elements might have contributed to this classification, though they are not explicitly mentioned.

This isn't the first time the Assassin’s Creed series has encountered such challenges; previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes. CERO's stringent stance on gore and dismemberment has long posed challenges for game releases in Japan. Notable examples include The Callisto Protocol and Dead Space Remake, which were not released in Japan after failing to meet CERO's standards. The developers of these games felt that the required changes would compromise the intended gaming experience.

Changes In Yasuke's Description In Game Store Pages

Further adjustments have been made to the description of Yasuke, a protagonist in AC Shadows. On the Steam and PlayStation store pages, when viewed in Japanese, the term "samurai" (侍) used to describe Yasuke has been changed to "騎当千" or "Ikki tousen," translating to "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This change follows backlash in 2024 regarding Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed this controversy, emphasizing the company's focus on entertainment for a broad audience without pushing any specific agenda. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, is a familiar practice for the developers.

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