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 impact on the Japanese and international releases.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Rating in Japan

Altered Content 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 between the Japanese and international (North America/Europe) versions.

The Japanese release will omit 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 on or off within the game's settings menu.

CERO Z Rating: An 18+ Designation

A CERO Z rating restricts sales and distribution to individuals aged 18 and older. CERO's rating system considers four key categories: sexual content, 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 factors contributing to the Z rating.

This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin’s Creed franchise; titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.

CERO's stringent approach to gore and dismemberment has historically posed challenges for game releases in Japan. Some companies have opted against releasing their games in Japan rather than comply with CERO's requirements. For instance, The Callisto Protocol's Japanese release was cancelled in 2022 due to perceived unacceptable alterations. Similarly, the Dead Space Remake (2023) lacked a CERO rating, prompting frustration from EA Japan's General Manager, Shaun Noguchi, particularly given the rating granted to the similarly violent Stellar Blade.

Changes to Yasuke's In-Game Description

The description of Yasuke, a key protagonist, has also been modified 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 regarding the use of "black samurai" in previous descriptions, a historically sensitive term in Japanese culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously stated the company prioritizes entertainment and creating games for a broad audience, without promoting specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed storylines, including figures such as the Pope and Queen Victoria, is not new for the developers.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Further information can be found on our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.