Assassin's Creed Shadows: Japan Censorship

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 content differences between the Japanese and international releases.

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). Consequently, the Japanese version differs from the North American and European releases.

Dismemberment and decapitation have been entirely removed from the Japanese version. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been altered. While some changes to the Japanese audio dub have been made, specifics haven't been disclosed. International versions will offer a toggle for dismemberment and decapitation.

CERO Z Rating: 18+ Only

A CERO Z rating restricts sales and distribution to individuals aged 18 and above. CERO’s ratings consider sex, violence, anti-social acts, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO guidelines are unrated, requiring developers to make modifications. While excessive violence is cited, the statement doesn't specify other reasons for the Z rating.

This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin’s Creed franchise; games like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content. CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has consistently impacted game releases in Japan. The Callisto Protocol (2022) and Dead Space Remake (2023) are notable examples of games that forwent a Japanese release due to CERO’s requirements.

Yasuke's Description Altered

The Japanese Steam and PlayStation store listings for AC Shadows have changed 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 regarding the use of "black samurai" to describe Yasuke.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot stated the company prioritizes entertainment for a broad audience and doesn't aim to promote specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed storylines, including figures like the Pope and Queen Victoria, isn't new.

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