Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets Censored in Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been rated CERO Z by Japan’s game rating organization, leading to the removal of dismemberment and decapitation in its Japanese version. Delve into how this impacts AC Shadows both in Japan and internationally.

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

Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has received a CERO Z rating from Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This rating results in significant content differences between the game’s Japanese and overseas (North America/Europe) versions.

In the Japanese version, scenes of dismemberment and decapitation are completely removed, and depictions of wounds and severed body parts are altered. Additionally, some changes have been made to the Japanese audio in the overseas version, though specific details about these alterations remain undisclosed.

The international version of AC Shadows offers players the option to toggle the graphic depictions of dismemberment and decapitation through an in-game settings menu.

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

A CERO Z rating signifies that the game's content is suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting sales or distribution to those under 18. CERO evaluates games based on four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideological expression.

Games that do not comply with CERO's content guidelines are not rated, requiring developers to modify their content accordingly. Although the statement highlights excessive violence, other elements contributing to the CERO Z rating for AC Shadows remain unspecified.

This isn't the first time the Assassin’s Creed series has encountered such issues; previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes.

CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has posed challenges for many games aiming to enter the Japanese market. Some companies, like those behind The Callisto Protocol in 2022 and the Dead Space Remake in 2023, opted not to release their games in Japan after failing to secure a CERO rating, citing that the necessary modifications would compromise the intended gaming experience. EA Japan’s General Manager Shaun Noguchi has expressed frustration over such decisions, especially when compared to other violent games like Stellar Blade that did receive a CERO rating.

Changes In Yasuke's Description In Game Store Pages

AC Shadows has also revised the description of Yasuke, one of its protagonists, in its store listings on Steam and the PlayStation Store. In the Japanese language settings, the term "samurai" (侍) originally used to describe Yasuke has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This change follows backlash in 2024 regarding Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a contentious topic in Japanese historical and cultural contexts.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed this issue, emphasizing that the company's focus is on entertainment for the broadest possible audience, rather than promoting any specific agenda. The Assassin’s Creed series frequently incorporates historical figures into its narratives, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, making this a familiar challenge for the developers.

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