Discover how Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has been impacted by a CERO Z rating in Japan, leading to significant changes in its content and how this affects its global audience.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Game Rating In Japan
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 Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This rating has resulted in notable differences between the content available in the Japanese version compared to the overseas editions (North America/Europe).
In the Japanese version, elements such as dismemberment and decapitation have been entirely removed. Additionally, the depiction of wounds and severed body parts has been altered. While specific details have not been disclosed, there are also modifications to the Japanese audio used in the overseas version.
On the other hand, the overseas version of AC Shadows includes an option in the settings menu to toggle the visibility of dismemberment and decapitation, offering players the choice to customize their gaming experience.
Assassin’s Creed Rated CERO Z In Japan, Only Suitable For 18+ Ages
A CERO Z rating signifies that the game's content is deemed appropriate only for audiences aged 18 and above, restricting its sale and distribution to those under 18. CERO's ratings are structured around four key 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 by the organization, compelling developers to make adjustments to comply. While the statement highlights concerns over excessive violence, other aspects of AC Shadows that contributed to the CERO Z rating remain unspecified.
This is not the first instance of the Assassin’s Creed series encountering issues with CERO. Previous entries like AC Valhalla and AC Origins have also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes. CERO's stringent stance on gore and dismemberment has been a recurring challenge for developers aiming to launch their games in Japan.
Notably, several companies have opted out of the Japanese market rather than comply with CERO's requirements. For instance, The Callisto Protocol canceled its Japan release in 2022 after failing to secure a CERO rating, with developers citing that the mandated changes would compromise the player's experience. Similarly, EA Motive's Dead Space Remake in 2023 did not receive a CERO rating, prompting frustration from EA Japan’s General Manager Shaun Noguchi, particularly in contrast to Stellar Blade, which received a rating despite depicting excessive violence.
Changes In Yasuke's Description In Game Store Pages
AC Shadows also experienced a notable change in the description of Yasuke, one of its main protagonists, on game store pages. In the Japanese language versions on Steam and the PS store, the term "samurai" (侍) initially used to describe Yasuke was replaced with "騎当千" or "Ikki tousen," translating to "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This adjustment follows backlash Ubisoft received in 2024 over describing Yasuke as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic within Japanese history and culture.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the company's primary focus is on entertainment for a broad audience, not on promoting any specific agenda. The inclusion of historical figures like the Pope or Queen Victoria in previous Assassin’s Creed titles is a testament to Ubisoft's approach to storytelling.
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 dedicated Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.
