Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating in Japan, resulting in the removal of dismemberment and decapitation. This article details the content differences between the Japanese and international releases.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives CERO Z Rating in Japan

Altered Content in the Japanese Version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that Assassin’s Creed Shadows received a CERO Z rating from Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO). This means significant content differences exist between the Japanese and international (North America/Europe) versions.

The Japanese release will omit all instances of dismemberment and decapitation. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been altered. While specific changes to the Japanese audio dub haven't been detailed, adjustments have been made.

Conversely, the international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via the in-game settings.

CERO Z Rating: An 18+ Designation

A CERO Z rating restricts the game's sale and distribution to individuals aged 18 and above. CERO's rating system considers four key categories: sexual content, violence, antisocial behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet CERO's guidelines are unrated and cannot be released in Japan. Developers are often required to make modifications to secure a rating. While excessive violence is cited, the statement doesn't specify other factors contributing to the Z rating.

This isn't the first time the Assassin’s Creed franchise has faced CERO scrutiny. Many previous entries, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Assassin’s Creed Origins, also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.

CERO's strict stance on gore and dismemberment has presented ongoing challenges for game developers. Some companies have opted against releasing their games in Japan rather than compromise their vision. The Callisto Protocol (2022) and the Dead Space Remake (2023) are notable examples of games that did not receive a CERO rating and were therefore unavailable in Japan.

Changes to Yasuke's In-Game Description

The description of Yasuke, a key protagonist, has also been altered. Japanese language versions on Steam and the PlayStation Store replaced the term "samurai" (侍) 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 the game's description, a point of historical and cultural contention in Japan.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously stated the company's focus is on entertainment for a broad audience, and that pushing specific agendas isn't their goal. The use of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed games, such as the Pope or Queen Victoria, has been a consistent element of 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.