Assassin's Creed Shadows Censored in Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating from Japan’s game rating organization, resulting in the removal of dismemberment and decapitation. Dive into the details to understand how this impacts AC Shadows in Japan and globally.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Game Rating In Japan

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

Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been awarded a CERO Z rating by Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This rating leads to notable differences in content between the versions released in Japan and those in North America and Europe.

In the Japanese edition, the game will omit all scenes of dismemberment and decapitation, along with altering depictions of wounds and severed limbs. Additionally, some changes will be made to the Japanese audio used in the international versions, though specifics have not been disclosed.

Conversely, the overseas versions of AC Shadows will include an option to toggle the visibility of dismemberment and decapitation in the game's settings menu.

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 individuals aged 18 and above, prohibiting its sale or distribution to anyone younger. CERO evaluates games based on four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social behavior, and language/ideology expression.

Games that fail to meet CERO’s content guidelines will not receive a rating unless the developers make necessary modifications. While excessive violence was cited in the statement, other factors contributing to the CERO Z rating for AC Shadows remain unspecified.

This isn't the first encounter for the Assassin’s Creed series with Japan’s rating board. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes.

CERO has consistently opposed gore and dismemberment in video games, posing challenges for titles aiming for a Japanese release. Some developers, such as those behind The Callisto Protocol in 2022, chose not to release their games in Japan after refusing to comply with CERO’s demands. Similarly, EA Motive's Dead Space Remake in 2023 did not secure a CERO rating, leading to frustration from EA Japan’s General Manager Shaun Noguchi, particularly when compared to Stellar Blade, which did receive a rating despite its violent content.

Changes In Yasuke's Description In Game Store Pages

AC Shadows also experienced a change in the description of Yasuke, one of its protagonists. On the Steam and PS store pages in Japanese, the term "samurai" (侍) originally 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 backlash Ubisoft faced in 2024 over describing Yasuke as "the black samurai," a topic that remains contentious within Japanese history and culture.

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 Assassin’s Creed series has a history of incorporating historical figures into its narratives, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, making this issue familiar territory for the developers.

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