Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has undergone alterations for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating which mandates the removal of dismemberment and decapitation. This article details the impact of this rating on the Japanese and international versions.
CERO Z Rating and Content Changes
Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that AC Shadows' Japanese version will differ significantly from its North American and European counterparts due to its CERO Z rating. This rating, issued by the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), restricts the game's sale and distribution to individuals under 18.
The Japanese release will eliminate all instances of dismemberment and decapitation. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been modified. Additionally, changes have been made to the Japanese audio, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Conversely, the international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via the in-game settings.
CERO's Strict Standards and Previous Controversies
A CERO Z rating reflects CERO's stringent content guidelines, primarily concerning violence, sexuality, anti-social behavior, and language. Games failing to meet these standards are unrated and cannot be sold in Japan. This isn't a new phenomenon for the Assassin's Creed franchise; previous installments, including AC Valhalla and AC Origins, also received CERO Z ratings.
CERO's history of rejecting or requiring modifications to games containing graphic violence and dismemberment is well-documented. The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake are notable examples of games that were not released in Japan due to CERO's requirements.
Yasuke's Description Altered
Further changes involve the description of Yasuke, a key protagonist. In the Japanese versions of the 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 alteration follows criticism Ubisoft faced in 2024 regarding the use of "black samurai" to describe Yasuke, a historically sensitive topic in Japan. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company's focus remains on entertainment for a broad audience, not pushing specific agendas.
Release Date
Assassin's Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
