Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating in Japan, resulting in content alterations for the Japanese release. This article details the changes and their implications.
CERO Z Rating and Content Modifications
Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that AC Shadows' Japanese version will differ from its North American and European counterparts due to the CERO Z rating. This rating signifies suitability only for players aged 18 and above. Specific changes include the complete removal of dismemberment and decapitation, along with alterations to depictions of wounds and severed body parts. Additionally, some Japanese audio will be modified, though the specifics remain undisclosed. The international version will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation.
The CERO Z rating stems from Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization's guidelines, primarily concerning violence. This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings. CERO's strict stance on graphic violence has led to previous cancellations of Japanese releases, such as The Callisto Protocol in 2022 and the Dead Space Remake in 2023.
Yasuke's Description Altered
Further changes involve the description of Yasuke, a main protagonist. In Japanese-language versions on Steam and the PlayStation Store, 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 backlash regarding the use of "black samurai" in previous descriptions. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company's focus on entertainment for a broad audience, not the promotion of specific agendas.
Release Date and Platforms
Assassin's Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Further details can be found on the dedicated Assassin's Creed Shadows page.
