Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets Censored in Japan

Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has undergone alterations for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating. This rating necessitates content changes to comply with Japanese regulations.

CERO Z Rating and Content Modifications:

Ubisoft Japan's announcement on Twitter (X) confirmed that the Japanese version of AC Shadows will differ from international releases (North America/Europe). Specifically, dismemberment and decapitation have been entirely removed. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been modified. While changes to the Japanese audio dub have been acknowledged, specifics remain undisclosed. The international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation.

The CERO Z rating restricts sales and distribution to individuals aged 18 and above. CERO's rating system considers four key factors: sexual content, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO's guidelines won't receive a rating, prompting developers to make necessary adjustments. While excessive violence is cited, the statement doesn't detail other contributing factors to the Z rating.

This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; many titles, including AC Valhalla and AC Origins, have previously received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.

CERO's stringent stance on gore and dismemberment has consistently impacted game releases in Japan. Some companies have opted against releasing their games in Japan rather than compromising their vision. Notable examples include The Callisto Protocol in 2022 and the Dead Space Remake in 2023, both of which lacked CERO ratings due to perceived unacceptable alterations.

Yasuke's Description Altered:

Further changes involve Yasuke's description on Steam and PlayStation Store pages. The Japanese term "samurai" (侍) has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows the 2024 backlash surrounding Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a historically sensitive topic in Japan. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company prioritizes entertainment for a broad audience, not pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed storylines, including figures like the Pope or Queen Victoria, is not new.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more information, refer to the official Assassin's Creed Shadows page.