Assassin's Creed Shadows: Japan's CERO Rating Leads to Content Changes
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating in Japan, resulting in content alterations for the Japanese release. This rating, reserved for 18+ audiences, necessitated the removal of dismemberment and decapitation scenes. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been modified. While the Japanese audio may also differ from the international versions, specifics haven't been detailed. International versions will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation.
The CERO Z rating highlights Japan's stricter standards regarding on-screen violence. This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; previous entries like Valhalla and Origins also received CERO Z ratings. The organization's sensitivity to graphic violence has led to past conflicts, notably The Callisto Protocol's cancelled Japanese release in 2022 due to extensive alterations deemed unacceptable by the developers. Similarly, the Dead Space Remake faced similar hurdles in 2023.
Beyond the graphical changes, the game's marketing materials have also undergone adjustments. The Japanese descriptions of Yasuke, a key protagonist, have shifted. The term "samurai" (侍), initially used, has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows criticism in 2024 regarding the use of "black samurai" in promotional materials. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company's focus on broad audience appeal and avoidance of specific agendas.
Assassin's Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Further details are available on our dedicated Assassin's Creed Shadows page.
