Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been granted a CERO Z rating by Japan’s video game rating organization, resulting in significant content adjustments for its release in Japan. Learn how these changes impact AC Shadows both in Japan and globally.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Japanese Version Removes Dismemberment and Decapitation
Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has received a CERO Z rating from the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This rating has led to notable differences in content between the versions available in North America/Europe and Japan.
In the Japanese edition, scenes of dismemberment and decapitation are completely removed. Additionally, depictions of wounds and severed body parts are altered. Changes to the Japanese audio in the overseas version are also noted, though specific details on these modifications remain undisclosed.
Conversely, the international version of AC Shadows includes an option to toggle these graphic elements on or off within the game's settings menu.
Assassin’s Creed Rated CERO Z in Japan, Suitable Only for Ages 18+
A CERO Z rating indicates that the game is deemed appropriate only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting its sale or distribution to those 17 and younger. CERO's ratings are determined across four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideological expressions.
Games that do not meet CERO’s content standards are not rated, compelling developers to adjust their content accordingly. While excessive violence is a known factor in this rating, other aspects of AC Shadows contributing to the CERO Z classification are not specified.
This is not the first encounter with CERO for the Assassin’s Creed series, as many previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received a CERO Z rating due to their violent themes.
CERO’s stringent policies on gore and dismemberment have historically posed challenges for game releases in Japan. Some developers, like those behind The Callisto Protocol in 2022 and EA Motive’s Dead Space Remake in 2023, have chosen not to release their games in Japan rather than comply with CERO’s requirements. This decision was echoed by frustrations from EA Japan’s General Manager Shaun Noguchi, particularly in comparison to games like Stellar Blade, which received a CERO rating despite similar violent content.
Changes in Yasuke's Description on Game Store Pages
AC Shadows also features a notable change in the description of Yasuke, one of the game's protagonists. On the Steam and PS store pages, when viewed in Japanese, the term "samurai" (侍) used to describe Yasuke has been replaced with "騎当千" or "Ikki tousen," translating to "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This change follows Ubisoft's response to 2024 backlash regarding the historical and cultural sensitivity of labeling Yasuke as "the black samurai."
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed this issue, emphasizing that the company aims to create entertainment for a broad audience without pushing any specific agendas. The inclusion of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed games is a recurring theme, with characters like the Pope and Queen Victoria featured in past titles.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Visit our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page for more detailed information on the game.
