Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets Censored in Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating in Japan, resulting in the removal of dismemberment and decapitation. This article details the impact of this rating on the Japanese and international versions of the game.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Japan Version Removes Gore

Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that Assassin’s Creed Shadows received a CERO Z rating from Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This means significant content differences exist between the Japanese and international (North America/Europe) releases.

The Japanese version will entirely remove dismemberment and decapitation, altering depictions of wounds and severed body parts. While unspecified, changes to the Japanese audio dub of the international version are also expected. Conversely, the international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation in the game's settings.

CERO Z Rating: An 18+ Designation

A CERO Z rating restricts sales and distribution to individuals aged 18 and older. CERO’s ratings consider four key categories: sex, violence, antisocial acts, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO’s guidelines won't receive a rating, necessitating developer modifications for Japanese release. 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 received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content. CERO’s stringent approach to gore and dismemberment has historically posed challenges for game releases in Japan. Several companies, unwilling to compromise, have opted against a Japanese release; The Callisto Protocol (2022) and the Dead Space Remake (2023) are notable examples.

Yasuke's Title Altered

The game’s Japanese Steam and PlayStation store listings have also seen a change in Yasuke's description. The term "samurai" (侍) has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows 2024 backlash surrounding the use of "black samurai" to describe Yasuke, a point of contention within Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously stated the company prioritizes entertainment for the broadest audience, aiming to avoid pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed storylines, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, is not a new practice for the developers.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more information, visit our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.