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 content differences between the Japanese and international releases.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Rating in Japan

Content Changes in the Japanese Version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

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) versions.

The Japanese version removes all instances of dismemberment and decapitation. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been altered. While specific changes to the Japanese audio dub haven't been detailed, modifications have been confirmed.

The international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via the in-game settings.

CERO Z Rating: Implications for Players

A CERO Z rating restricts sales and distribution to individuals aged 18 and older. CERO’s ratings consider four categories: sex, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO’s guidelines are unrated and cannot be released in Japan. Developers are often required to make modifications to achieve a rating. While excessive violence is cited, the statement doesn't specify other contributing factors to the Z rating.

This isn't the first time the Assassin’s Creed series has faced this; many titles, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Origins, previously received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.

CERO’s strict stance on gore and dismemberment has created ongoing challenges for game releases in Japan. Several companies have opted against modifying their games, foregoing a Japanese release entirely. For example, The Callisto Protocol’s Japanese release was cancelled in 2022 due to CERO’s required changes, deemed unacceptable by the developers. Similarly, the Dead Space Remake (2023) also lacked a CERO rating.

Changes to Yasuke's In-Game Description

The description of Yasuke, a main protagonist, has also been altered on Japanese Steam and PlayStation store pages. The term "samurai" (侍) has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows backlash in 2024 regarding the use of "black samurai" in previous descriptions, a contentious point in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously stated the company prioritizes entertainment for a broad audience, aiming to avoid pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed storylines, including the Pope and Queen Victoria, highlights this long-standing approach.

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.