Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets Censored in Japan

Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) faces content alterations for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating. This mandates the removal of dismemberment and decapitation, along with adjustments to wound depictions. Audio modifications are also planned, though specifics remain undisclosed. International versions will offer a toggle for dismemberment and decapitation.

CERO Z Rating and Content Restrictions

The CERO Z rating restricts sales to individuals 18 and older. CERO's rating system considers sex, violence, anti-social behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet guidelines are unrated, necessitating developer modifications. While excessive violence is cited, other contributing factors to the Z rating remain unstated. This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; titles like Valhalla and Origins also received CERO Z ratings.

CERO's stringent stance on gore and dismemberment has previously led to Japan-only cancellations. The Callisto Protocol's 2022 Japanese release was scrapped due to perceived unacceptable alterations. Similarly, the Dead Space Remake (2023) lacked a CERO rating, prompting EA Motive's frustration, particularly given other violent games receiving ratings.

Yasuke's Description Altered

The Japanese Steam and PlayStation store listings for AC Shadows have revised 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 surrounding the "black samurai" descriptor, a sensitive topic in Japanese history. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company prioritizes entertainment for a broad audience, not pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, is well-established.

Assassin's Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.