Assassin's Creed Shadows Censored in Japan

Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has undergone alterations for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating. This rating mandates content adjustments, primarily focusing on violence. Let's delve into the specifics of these changes and their implications.

CERO Z Rating and Content Modifications

Ubisoft Japan announced that AC Shadows' Japanese version will significantly differ from its international counterparts (North America/Europe). The Japanese release will completely remove dismemberment and decapitation scenes. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been modified. Furthermore, while unspecified, alterations to the Japanese audio dub have been implemented.

The international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via the in-game settings.

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 are unrated, prompting developers to make necessary changes for Japanese market release. While excessive violence is cited, the exact reasons for the Z rating remain partially undisclosed.

This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise. Many previous titles, including Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Origins, also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.

CERO's strict stance on graphic violence has consistently presented challenges for game developers. 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 were deemed unsuitable for release in Japan after failing to meet CERO's requirements.

Changes to Yasuke's In-Game Description

The in-game description of Yasuke, a key protagonist, has also been altered. On Steam and PlayStation Store pages using the Japanese language, the term "samurai" (侍) has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows a 2024 controversy surrounding the use of "black samurai" in previous promotional materials, a term considered contentious within Japanese historical and cultural contexts. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously addressed this, emphasizing the company's focus on entertainment and avoiding the promotion of specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games has been a long-standing practice, encompassing figures like the Pope and Queen Victoria.

Release Date

Assassin's Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Further details about the game can be found on the official Assassin's Creed Shadows page.