Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has undergone alterations for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating. This rating, reserved for 18+ audiences, necessitates content modifications. Let's delve into the specifics of these changes and their impact.
CERO Z Rating and Content Adjustments
Ubisoft Japan's announcement on Twitter (X) confirmed that AC Shadows' Japanese version will differ significantly from its international counterparts (North America/Europe). The Japanese release will omit dismemberment and decapitation entirely. Furthermore, depictions of wounds and severed body parts have been revised. While specific details regarding Japanese audio changes remain undisclosed, alterations have been made.
Conversely, the international versions will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation via in-game settings.
The CERO Z rating highlights Japan's stringent content guidelines, focusing on sex, violence, anti-social behavior, and language/ideology. Games failing to meet these standards are unrated and ineligible for release. This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content. CERO's stance against graphic violence, particularly dismemberment, has consistently impacted game releases in Japan. Notable examples include The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake, both of which were not released in Japan due to CERO's requirements.
Yasuke's Description Modified
Beyond gameplay, AC Shadows' Japanese store listings (Steam and PlayStation Store) have seen a change in Yasuke's description. The term "samurai" (侍) has been replaced with "騎当千" (Ikki tousen), meaning "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This adjustment follows the 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 remains 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 a long-standing practice.
Release Date
Assassin's Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For further details on the game, visit our dedicated Assassin's Creed Shadows page.
