Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been awarded a CERO Z rating by Japan’s game rating organization, leading to significant content adjustments for its Japanese release. This article delves into how these changes impact AC Shadows in Japan and globally.

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 from the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This rating necessitates content modifications for the Japanese market, distinguishing it from the versions available in North America and Europe.

In the Japanese edition, scenes of dismemberment and decapitation 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, though specific details on these alterations remain undisclosed.

Conversely, the international versions of AC Shadows include an option to toggle the visibility of dismemberment and decapitation, allowing players to customize their experience.

Assassin’s Creed Rated CERO Z in Japan, Only Suitable for 18+ Ages

The CERO Z rating indicates that the game is suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting its sale or distribution to those under 18. CERO evaluates games based on four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression.

Games that do not meet CERO’s content guidelines are not rated, requiring developers to make necessary adjustments. While the statement highlights excessive violence, it does not detail other elements of AC Shadows that contributed to the CERO Z rating.

This is not the first instance of the Assassin’s Creed series facing scrutiny from CERO. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes.

CERO’s stringent stance on gore and dismemberment has long posed challenges for game releases in Japan. Some developers, such as those behind The Callisto Protocol in 2022 and the Dead Space Remake in 2023, have opted not to release their games in Japan rather than comply with CERO’s requirements. EA Japan’s General Manager Shaun Noguchi voiced his frustrations over CERO’s decisions, particularly when compared to other games like Stellar Blade, which received a rating despite similar violent content.

Changes in Yasuke's Description in Game Store Pages

AC Shadows also features a notable change in the description of Yasuke, one of its protagonists. On the Steam and PS store pages in Japanese, the term "samurai" (侍) used to describe Yasuke has been replaced with "騎当千" or "Ikki tousen," meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This adjustment follows backlash in 2024 regarding Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed this issue, emphasizing that the company aims to create entertainment for a broad audience without pushing any specific agenda. The use of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed games is a recurring theme, as seen with characters like the Pope or Queen Victoria.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more information, visit our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.