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 of this rating on the Japanese and international releases.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Rating in Japan

Content Differences Between Japanese and International Versions 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 exist between the Japanese and international (North America/Europe) versions.

The Japanese version will lack dismemberment and decapitation entirely, with altered depictions of wounds and severed body parts. Changes to the Japanese audio dub of the international version are also anticipated, though specifics remain unannounced.

Conversely, the international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via the in-game settings menu.

CERO Z Rating: An 18+ Designation

A CERO Z rating restricts sales and distribution to individuals aged 18 and older. CERO's ratings consider four categories: sexual content, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO's guidelines receive no rating, necessitating developer modifications for compliance. While excessive violence is cited, the statement doesn't specify other factors contributing to the Z rating.

This isn't the first time the Assassin's Creed franchise has encountered CERO's restrictions; AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.

CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has consistently challenged game releases in Japan. Several companies, unwilling to compromise their vision, have opted against Japanese releases. For example, The Callisto Protocol's Japanese release was canceled in 2022 due to unacceptable alterations demanded by CERO. Similarly, EA Motive's Dead Space Remake (2023) lacked a CERO rating, prompting frustration from EA Japan's General Manager, Shaun Noguchi, especially considering the rating granted to the similarly violent Stellar Blade.

Altered Description of Yasuke

The description of Yasuke, a main protagonist, has also been altered on Steam and PlayStation Store pages in the Japanese language. 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 surrounding the use of "black samurai" to describe Yasuke, a controversial term in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously stated the company's focus on entertainment for a broad audience, aiming to avoid pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed, including figures like the Pope and Queen Victoria, is not unprecedented.

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