Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has undergone alterations for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating. This rating necessitates the removal of dismemberment and decapitation, impacting the Japanese version's content compared to its international counterparts. This article explores the implications of this censorship and similar controversies within the gaming industry.
CERO Z Rating and Content Changes
Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that AC Shadows' Japanese version received a CERO Z rating, restricting its sale to individuals aged 18 and older. This rating resulted in the complete removal of dismemberment and decapitation sequences. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been modified. While the Japanese audio may also differ from the international version, specifics haven't been detailed. The international release will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation.
The CERO Z rating, based on categories including violence, sex, anti-social behavior, and language, highlights the organization's stringent content guidelines. This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.
CERO's stance on graphic violence, particularly dismemberment, has consistently led to conflicts with game developers. The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake, for example, were not released in Japan due to CERO's requirements.
Yasuke's Description Altered
Further changes involve the description of Yasuke, a central character. On Steam and PlayStation Store pages (Japanese language settings), the term "samurai" (侍) has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows a 2024 controversy surrounding the use of "black samurai" to describe Yasuke, a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company's focus is on entertainment for a broad audience, not pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games, including figures like the Pope and Queen Victoria, is not a new practice for the developers.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more information, please visit our Assassin's Creed Shadows page.
