Assassin's Creed Shadows: Japan's CERO Z Rating Leads to Content Changes
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating in Japan, resulting in content alterations for the Japanese release. This rating, reserved for games suitable only for players aged 18 and older, necessitated the removal of dismemberment and decapitation scenes. Depictions of wounds and severed body parts have also been modified. While the Japanese audio may also include changes, specifics haven't been detailed.
International versions (North America/Europe) will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via the in-game settings.
CERO's stringent guidelines, focusing on violence, sex, anti-social behavior, and language, have historically led to similar alterations in other Assassin's Creed titles, including Valhalla and Origins. The organization's stance against graphic violence has resulted in past controversies, with some developers opting to forgo a Japanese release rather than compromise their vision. The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake are notable examples of games that did not receive CERO ratings and were subsequently not released in Japan.
Further changes involve the description of Yasuke, a key protagonist. Instead of "samurai," the Japanese store listings now use "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This follows previous criticism regarding the use of "black samurai" in promotional materials. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company's priority is entertainment for a broad audience, not pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games is not unprecedented, with past titles featuring figures like the Pope and Queen Victoria.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
