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 release will omit 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, alterations have been confirmed.
Conversely, the international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation on or off within the game's settings.
CERO Z Rating: Implications for Players
A CERO Z rating restricts sales and distribution to individuals aged 18 and older. CERO's rating system considers four key categories: sex, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO's guidelines will not receive a rating. This often necessitates modifications to secure a rating. While the statement highlights excessive violence, other factors contributing to the Z rating remain unspecified.
This isn't the first time the Assassin’s Creed series has encountered challenges with CERO. Many previous titles, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Assassin’s Creed Origins, also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.
CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has consistently impacted game releases in Japan. Several developers, unwilling to compromise their vision, have opted against Japanese releases. For instance, The Callisto Protocol (2022) and the Dead Space Remake (2023) were both withheld from the Japanese market due to CERO’s requirements.
Yasuke's In-Game Description Altered
The description of Yasuke, a main protagonist, has also been modified in Japanese versions of the game’s Steam and PlayStation Store listings. The term "samurai" (侍) has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows criticism received by Ubisoft in 2024 regarding the use of "black samurai" in previous descriptions, a point of historical and cultural contention in Japan.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously stated the company’s focus is on entertainment for a broad audience, not promoting specific agendas. The use of historical figures, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, in previous Assassin's Creed games demonstrates a precedent for this approach.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Further details on the game can be found on our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.
