Assassin's Creed's 'Shadows' Faces Japan Censorship

Assassin's Creed Shadows: Japan's CERO Rating Leads to Content Changes

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating in Japan, resulting in content alterations for the Japanese release. This rating, reserved for games suitable only for players 18 and older, necessitates changes to comply with Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) guidelines.

Content Differences Between Japanese and Overseas Versions:

The Japanese version will omit dismemberment and decapitation, modifying depictions of wounds and severed body parts. While the overseas (North American/European) versions will retain these elements, offering players an option to toggle them on or off. Additionally, some Japanese voice-over lines will differ from the international audio, though specific details remain undisclosed.

CERO Z Rating and its Implications:

The CERO Z rating reflects CERO's assessment of the game's content, particularly concerning violence. This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; many previous installments, including Valhalla and Origins, also received this rating. CERO's stringent standards regarding gore and dismemberment have led to challenges for game developers seeking Japanese releases. Notable examples include The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake, both of which forwent Japanese releases due to disagreements over necessary content modifications.

Changes to Yasuke's Description:

Further adjustments involve the description of Yasuke, a key protagonist. Japanese-language versions on Steam and the PlayStation Store have replaced the term "samurai" (侍) with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows prior criticism regarding the use of "black samurai" in promotional materials, a point of historical sensitivity in Japan. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously addressed similar concerns, emphasizing the company's focus on broad audience appeal and avoiding specific agendas.

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