Assassin's Creed Shadows Censored in Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been awarded a CERO Z rating by Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), leading to significant content modifications for its Japanese release. This rating impacts the game's availability and content, particularly in terms of violence and gore, which are key elements of the Assassin’s Creed series.

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

Ubisoft Japan took to Twitter (X) to announce that AC Shadows has received a CERO Z rating. This decision results in notable differences between the game's versions in Japan and those in North America and Europe. The Japanese edition of AC Shadows will exclude scenes of dismemberment and decapitation, and will alter the depiction of wounds and severed body parts. Additionally, some changes will be made to the Japanese audio, though specific details on these alterations remain undisclosed.

In contrast, the overseas versions of AC Shadows will include an option to toggle these violent elements on or off, giving players the choice to experience the game as intended by the developers.

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

A CERO Z rating indicates that the game is suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting its sale or distribution to those younger. CERO evaluates games based on four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression. Games that do not comply with these guidelines must be modified to receive a rating.

While the statement highlights excessive violence as a reason for the rating, other elements of AC Shadows that may have contributed to this classification are not specified. This is not the first time the Assassin’s Creed series has faced such scrutiny; 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 historically posed challenges for game releases in Japan. Some developers, like those behind The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake, have opted not to release their games in Japan rather than comply with CERO’s requirements, citing that the necessary changes would compromise the intended gaming experience.

Changes In Yasuke's Description In Game Store Pages

Another notable change in AC Shadows involves 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," meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This adjustment follows backlash in 2024 regarding Ubisoft's portrayal of Yasuke as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has emphasized the company's focus on entertainment for a broad audience, stating that their goal is not to push any specific agenda. The use of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed games is a recurring theme, aligning with the series' approach to storytelling.

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