Assassin's Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Game Rating in Japan

Assassin's Creed Shadows' Japanese Version Removes Dismemberment and Decapitation

Ubisoft Japan recently announced via Twitter (X) that Assassin's Creed Shadows has been awarded a CERO Z rating by Japan's video game rating organization, the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This rating brings significant changes to the game's content in Japan compared to its overseas versions (North America/Europe).

In the Japanese version of Assassin's Creed Shadows, all instances of dismemberment and decapitation have been removed. Additionally, depictions of wounds and severed body parts have been altered. The Japanese audio in the game may also see some modifications, though specific details on these changes have not been disclosed.

For players outside Japan, the game will include an option to toggle the graphic depictions of dismemberment and decapitation, providing flexibility based on player preferences.

Assassin's Creed Rated CERO Z in Japan, Only Suitable for 18+ Ages

A CERO Z rating indicates that the game is suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting its sale or distribution to those under 18. CERO's ratings are categorized into four areas: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression.

Games that do not comply with CERO's content guidelines are not rated, requiring developers to make necessary modifications. While the statement highlights excessive violence, it does not detail other elements of Assassin's Creed Shadows that contributed to the CERO Z rating.

This is not the first time the Assassin's Creed series has encountered such issues in Japan. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes. CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has been a recurring challenge for game releases in Japan. Notable examples include The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake, which were not released in Japan after failing to secure a CERO rating. Developers and publishers, such as Striking Distance and Krafton for The Callisto Protocol, and EA Motive for the Dead Space Remake, have cited that the required changes would compromise the intended gaming experience.

Changes in Yasuke's Description in Game Store Pages

Another notable change in Assassin's Creed Shadows involves the description of Yasuke, one of the game's protagonists. On the Steam and PlayStation store pages, when viewed in Japanese, the term "samurai" (侍) used to describe Yasuke has been replaced with "騎当千" or "Ikki tousen," meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This adjustment follows backlash in 2024 regarding Ubisoft's portrayal of Yasuke as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the company aims to create entertainment for a broad audience without pushing any specific agenda. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, is a well-established practice for the series.

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 Assassin's Creed Shadows page.