Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets Censored in Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating from Japan's game rating organization, leading to significant content modifications. This article delves into how these changes impact the game's experience in Japan and globally.

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

Ubisoft Japan shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been rated CERO Z by Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This rating results in notable differences between the Japanese and overseas (North America/Europe) versions of the game.

In Japan, AC Shadows will see the complete removal of dismemberment and decapitation scenes. Additionally, depictions of wounds and severed body parts will be altered. Some changes will also be made to the Japanese audio in the overseas version, though specific details about these modifications remain undisclosed.

Conversely, the overseas version of AC Shadows includes an option to toggle the depictions of dismemberment and decapitation, allowing players to customize their experience.

Assassin’s Creed Rated CERO Z in Japan, Only Suitable for 18+ Ages

A CERO Z rating indicates that the game's content is suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, restricting sales and distribution to those under 18. CERO evaluates games across four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression.

Games that do not comply with CERO’s guidelines are not rated, requiring developers to make necessary adjustments. While the statement highlights the issue of excessive violence, it does not detail other elements that may have contributed to the CERO Z rating.

This is not a new challenge for the Assassin’s Creed series; many titles, including AC Valhalla and AC Origins, have also received a CERO Z rating due to their violent themes. CERO’s strict stance on gore and dismemberment has affected multiple game releases in Japan. For instance, The Callisto Protocol canceled its Japanese release in 2022 due to non-compliance with CERO's requirements, and EA Motive's Dead Space Remake in 2023 also did not receive a CERO rating. EA Japan’s General Manager Shaun Noguchi voiced his frustrations, particularly when comparing the rating decision to that of Stellar Blade, which received a rating despite similar violent content.

Changes in Yasuke's Description in Game Store Pages

Another notable change in AC Shadows pertains to 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," translating to "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This alteration 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 responded to the controversy, 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 frequently incorporates historical figures, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, into its narratives, so handling such issues is familiar territory for the developers.

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