Japan Censors Assassin's Creed Shadows

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 changes and the broader context of game censorship in Japan.

CERO Z Rating and Content Changes

Ubisoft Japan announced that AC Shadows’ Japanese version will differ from international releases (North America/Europe). Specifically, dismemberment and decapitation have been removed, and depictions of wounds and severed body parts have been modified. Changes to the Japanese audio dub have also been implemented, though specifics remain undisclosed. The international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation.

A CERO Z rating restricts sales to individuals 18 years and older. CERO's rating system considers four key categories: sexual content, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO's guidelines are unrated, requiring developers to make adjustments. While excessive violence is cited, the exact reasons for the Z rating remain unspecified.

This isn't a unique situation for the Assassin's Creed franchise. Many titles, including AC Valhalla and AC Origins, have received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.

The impact of CERO's stringent standards is evident in past incidents. The Callisto Protocol's Japanese release was canceled in 2022 due to disagreements over necessary modifications. Similarly, the Dead Space Remake (2023) lacked a CERO rating.

Yasuke's Description Altered

Further changes involve the description of Yasuke, a key protagonist. Japanese-language Steam and PlayStation Store listings replaced "samurai" (侍) with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows 2024 backlash regarding the use of "black samurai," a historically contentious term in Japanese culture. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company prioritizes entertainment for a broad audience and avoids pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games, including the Pope and Queen Victoria, is not unprecedented.

Release Date

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.