Assassin's Creed Shadows Suffers Censorship In Japan

Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) faces content alterations for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating. This necessitates the removal of dismemberment and decapitation, along with adjustments to wound depictions. Audio modifications are also planned, though specifics remain undisclosed. The international versions will offer players the choice to enable or disable these violent elements.

CERO Z Rating and Content Restrictions

The CERO Z rating restricts sales to individuals 18 and older, reflecting Japan's stringent content guidelines. While excessive violence is cited, the exact reasons for the Z rating remain unstated. This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; previous installments, including Valhalla and Origins, also received this rating. CERO's stance against graphic violence has led to past controversies, with some developers choosing to forgo a Japanese release rather than comply with extensive modifications. Notable examples include The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake.

Yasuke's Title Change

The game's marketing materials have also undergone changes. Yasuke's description, initially using the term "samurai," has been replaced with "Ikki Tousen" ("one who can face a thousand enemies") in Japanese store listings. This follows earlier criticism surrounding the use of "black samurai" in promotional materials. Ubisoft's CEO previously emphasized the company's focus on broad audience appeal, avoiding the promotion of specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games has been a consistent feature, making this a recurring challenge for the developers.

Assassin's Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.