"Assassin's Creed Shadows Censored in Japan"

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been rated CERO Z by Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), leading to significant content changes for its Japanese version. Learn how this impacts AC Shadows 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 took to Twitter (X) to announce that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has received a CERO Z rating from Japan’s video game rating organization, CERO. This rating results in notable differences between the content available in the overseas versions (North America/Europe) and the Japanese version.

In the Japanese version of the game, dismemberment and decapitation scenes have been entirely removed, and depictions of wounds and severed body parts have been altered. Additionally, certain parts of the Japanese audio in the overseas version will be changed, though specific details about these modifications have not been disclosed.

In contrast, the overseas version of AC Shadows offers players the option to toggle the depictions of dismemberment and decapitation through the game's options menu.

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

A CERO Z rating indicates that the game's content is deemed suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting sales and distribution to those under 18. CERO's ratings are categorized into four areas: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression.

Games that do not meet CERO’s content guidelines are not rated, requiring developers to modify their content to comply. While the statement highlights issues with excessive violence, other aspects of AC Shadows that contributed to the CERO Z rating are not specified.

This is not the first instance of the Assassin’s Creed series facing scrutiny from CERO. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes and content.

CERO has consistently expressed concerns about gore and dismemberment in video games, posing challenges for developers aiming to release their games in Japan. Some companies, such as Striking Distance with The Callisto Protocol in 2022, have opted not to release their games in Japan after refusing to make the required changes. Similarly, EA Motive's Dead Space Remake in 2023 did not receive a CERO rating, with EA Japan’s General Manager Shaun Noguchi voicing his frustrations, particularly in comparison to other games like Stellar Blade, which received a rating despite similar content.

Changes In Yasuke's Description In Game Store Pages

AC Shadows also experienced changes in the description of Yasuke, one of its main 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," translating to "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This alteration follows Ubisoft's 2024 backlash regarding Yasuke being referred to as "the black samurai," a historically and culturally sensitive issue in Japan.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed this matter, stating, "I want to reaffirm that we are an entertainment-first company, creating games for the broadest possible audience, and our goal is not to push any specific agenda." The inclusion of historical figures like Yasuke aligns with the series' tradition of featuring notable personalities such as the Pope or Queen Victoria.

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