Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been awarded a CERO Z rating by Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), leading to significant changes in its Japanese version. These modifications affect the game's content and its availability to different age groups, both in Japan and internationally. Dive in to understand how these changes impact AC Shadows.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Japanese Version Removes Dismemberment and Decapitation
Ubisoft Japan took to Twitter (X) to announce that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has received a CERO Z rating, resulting in content differences between the Japanese and overseas versions (North America/Europe).
In the Japanese edition, dismemberment and decapitation scenes have been entirely removed, and depictions of wounds and severed body parts have been altered. Additionally, some changes have been made to the Japanese audio in the overseas version, although specific details about these modifications remain undisclosed.
On the other hand, the overseas version of AC Shadows provides players with the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation through the game's settings menu.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Rated CERO Z in Japan, Suitable Only for 18+ Ages
The CERO Z rating indicates that AC Shadows is suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting sales and distribution to those younger than 18. CERO's ratings are categorized into four areas: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression.
Games that do not comply with CERO’s content guidelines are not rated, requiring developers to make necessary modifications. While the statement highlights excessive violence, it does not detail other potential reasons for the CERO Z rating.
This isn't the first instance of the Assassin’s Creed series facing such ratings. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content and themes.
CERO's stringent stance on gore and dismemberment has posed challenges for many games attempting to enter the Japanese market. Some developers and publishers, like Striking Distance and Krafton for The Callisto Protocol in 2022, chose not to release their games in Japan rather than comply with CERO’s demands. Similarly, EA Motive’s Dead Space Remake in 2023 also did not receive a CERO rating, prompting EA Japan’s General Manager Shaun Noguchi to voice his frustrations, particularly when comparing it to Stellar Blade, another violent game that did receive a rating.
Changes in Yasuke's Description on Game Store Pages
Another notable change involves the description of Yasuke, one of AC Shadows' protagonists. On the Steam and PlayStation store pages in Japanese, the term "samurai" (侍) previously 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 alteration follows Ubisoft's 2024 backlash regarding Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed this issue, stating, "I want to reaffirm that we are an entertainment-first company, creating games for the broadest possible audience, and our goal is not to push any specific agenda." The Assassin’s Creed series has a history of incorporating historical figures into its narratives, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, making this situation consistent with the franchise's approach.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more detailed information, visit our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.
