Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets Censored in Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating in Japan, resulting in content alterations for the Japanese release. This article details the specific changes and the broader implications for the game's release in Japan and internationally.

CERO Z Rating and Content Changes

Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that AC Shadows' Japanese version will lack dismemberment and decapitation, reflecting the CERO Z rating. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been modified. While some Japanese audio changes are confirmed, specifics remain undisclosed.

Conversely, the international versions (North America/Europe) will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation in the game's settings menu. The CERO Z rating restricts sales and distribution to individuals aged 18 and above in Japan. This rating stems from CERO's evaluation across four categories: sexual content, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology.

This isn't the first time an Assassin's Creed game has received a CERO Z rating due to its violent content. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins faced similar restrictions. CERO's stringent approach to depictions of gore and dismemberment has resulted in several games canceling their Japanese releases, including The Callisto Protocol (2022) and the Dead Space Remake (2023), due to developers' unwillingness to compromise on the intended player experience.

Changes to Yasuke's Description

Further alterations involve the description of Yasuke, a key protagonist. Japanese-language Steam and PlayStation Store listings have replaced "samurai" (侍) with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows the 2024 backlash surrounding the use of "black samurai" in previous marketing materials. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company's focus on entertainment for a broad audience, reiterating their aim isn't to promote specific agendas. The use of historical figures, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, in past Assassin’s Creed games highlights the company’s established practice.

Release Information

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more details, refer to our dedicated Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.