Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has garnered significant attention due to its content adjustments for the Japanese market. Ubisoft Japan announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the game has been rated CERO Z by Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), leading to notable differences between the Japanese and overseas versions.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Japanese Version Removes Dismemberment And Decapitation
The Japanese version of AC Shadows will exclude scenes of dismemberment and decapitation entirely, alongside modifications to the depiction of wounds and severed body parts. Additionally, certain elements of the Japanese audio in the overseas version will be altered, though specific details on these changes remain undisclosed. In contrast, players outside Japan can toggle these graphic elements on or off through the game's options menu.
Assassin’s Creed Rated CERO Z In Japan, Only Suitable For 18+ Ages
A CERO Z rating indicates that the game is suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting its sale or distribution to those younger. CERO's ratings are based on four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression. Games that do not meet these guidelines are not rated by CERO, requiring developers to make necessary modifications. While the focus has been on the game's violent content, other unspecified elements may have contributed to the CERO Z rating.
This is not the first time the Assassin's Creed series has faced such scrutiny. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes. CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has led to several games either being heavily modified or not released in Japan at all. For instance, The Callisto Protocol in 2022 and the Dead Space Remake in 2023 were not released in Japan after failing to secure a CERO rating, as the required changes were deemed too extensive by their developers.
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 Japanese versions of the Steam and PlayStation store pages, the term "samurai" used to describe Yasuke has been replaced with "Ikki tousen," translating to "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This adjustment follows backlash received by Ubisoft in 2024 over the historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity of referring to Yasuke as "the black samurai."
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has emphasized the company's focus on entertainment for a broad audience, stating that they do not aim to push any specific agenda. The inclusion of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, is a recurring theme for the franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more information, visit our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.
