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 and potentially some audio changes. The international versions will offer players the option to toggle these violent elements.

CERO Z Rating and Content Restrictions

The CERO Z rating restricts sales to individuals 18 and older. This rating system considers factors such as violence, sexual content, and antisocial behavior. Ubisoft's decision to comply with CERO's guidelines reflects a common challenge faced by developers aiming for a Japanese release. Previous Assassin's Creed titles also received CERO Z ratings, highlighting the organization's stringent approach to violent content. The Callisto Protocol and Dead Space Remake serve as examples of games that bypassed the Japanese market due to similar conflicts with CERO's requirements.

Yasuke's Description Modified

Further changes involve the description of Yasuke, a key protagonist. Instead of "samurai," the Japanese store listings now use "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This alteration follows past criticism regarding Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a historically sensitive topic. Ubisoft's CEO previously stated the company's focus is on entertainment for a broad audience, avoiding specific agendas. This reflects a continued balancing act between historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

Release Date and Availability

Assassin's Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The differing content between the Japanese and international versions underscores the complexities of navigating regional content regulations in the gaming industry.