Summary
Ubisoft announced thatAssassin’s Creed Shadowsis being censored in Japan to comply with the local ratings board CERO and their concerns over gore. It’s been a longer road than many likely anticipated forAssassin’s Creed Shadowsfollowing multiple delays, though with its March launch date finally approaching, fans have finally started to see more positive news.
Recently, Ubisoft has started to share more details about the upcoming game, including thatAssassin’s Creed Shadowswill be getting free DLCfor those who decide to preorder any version of the title. Claws of Awaji is set to add around 10 hours of additional content, including a new region to explore and a unique storyline with an enemy faction known as the Sanzoku Ippa. Even with momentum starting to build again forAssassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has once again run into trouble with the Japanese version of the game.
In a new statement on Twitter, Ubisoft revealed that it is making changes and censoring certain parts ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowsto comply with CERO, Japan’s local game rating organization. Currently,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis rated CERO Z, which essentially prevents anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing the title. However, even with such a rating, the organization still felt as though the violence was too much for a CERO Z rating and has asked that Ubisoft continue to make adjustments, similar to whatCapcom had to change forResident Evil Village.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Censors Violence and Dismemberment in Japan
In order to comply with CERO’s guidelines, Ubisoft has announced that some of its graphic content and gore present withinAssassin’s Creed Shadowscombatwill be removed entirely. While players have a toggle for dismemberment in the game’s options, the Japanese version will have this option removed entirely and dismemberment will be disabled entirely. In addition, Ubisoft is also changing the way severed limbs and body parts are depicted, as well as outright changing some of the Japanese language dialogue, but didn’t dive into specifics.
Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first bit of controversy CERO has faced over dismemberment in games. In fact, in 2024, EA Japan General Manager Shaun Noguchi took issue withCERO’s rating forStellar Blade, which received a rating of 17 and up. Noguchi’s issue was that CERO refused to rate theDead Spaceremake due to its inclusion of severed body parts and internal organs, whileStellar Bladeincluded similar violent elements and was able to earn a CERO D rating.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
