Japan will have a Censored Version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

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It might take some time for the Ghost of Yotei to reach consumers, however, Ubisoft is preparing something exciting for gamers – an upcoming Assassin’s Creed game that takes place in feudal Japan.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment learning that the game will undergo censorship specifically for Japanese players. It’s intriguing to delve into the rich tapestry of Japan’s history, but it seems that experience might be slightly altered for my fellow countrymen and women.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Censored in Japan

According to the Ubisoft Japan announcement, changes have been made to the game’s graphic violence due to the classification given by the CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization) in Japan.

In the context provided, the Computer Entertainment Ratings Organization (CERO) is an organization responsible for assigning ratings to video games based on their content. The game titled “Shadows” received a Z rating, which signifies that it cannot be sold to individuals under the age of 18. However, CERO found the game’s violence or gore to be excessively graphic, leading Ubisoft (the game’s publisher) to make necessary revisions or censorships in the game.

The translated statement reads:

Speaking about “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” (Rated Z by CERO in Japan), it’s important to note that the game content within the Japanese edition has some adjustments made to meet the requirements set by the reviewing authority.

In the game’s settings, the toggle for enabling or disabling enemy dismemberment has been eliminated completely. This means that during gameplay, you can no longer detach enemies’ heads and limbs. Additionally, the visual representation of severed body parts has been altered in the game.

The Japanese edition of the game’s language has indeed been verified as being distinct from its North American and European counterparts; however, specifics regarding the extent of the differences remain undisclosed.

“What Do You Mean, CERO?”

On previous occasions, CERO’s influence on games launched in Japan has been significant. Sometimes, they stir up debate or even controversy.

A year ago, in April 2024, I found myself at odds with CERO, a Japanese ratings board, over their inconsistency in rating games. In a since-deleted tweet (via VGC), I pointed out an instance where they refused to rate the gruesome violence in the game “Dead Space”. Yet, they granted a CERO D rating to another game called “Stellar Blade”, despite it featuring similar violent content that had raised concerns about “Dead Space”. In my post, translated from Japanese, I expressed:

“I can’t help but question their criteria. Dead Space was denied due to its graphic violence, but Stellar Blade, which shares the same level of intensity, received a pass. It leaves me puzzled.

I’m expressing my concerns about the unclear nature of the review process in Japan, and I could certainly offer numerous instances where this ambiguity has been evident in other cases as well.

Thinking Ahead

In essence, it was advantageous for “Assassin’s Creed” to include an option to moderate the violence, given the Japanese censorship regulations. The developers likely anticipated significant sales growth in Japan, considering the game’s setting in feudal Japan. It could have been a substantial financial setback if they were unable to distribute the game there.

As a gamer, I’d say it’s somewhat comforting that my game was rated, despite not being as intense as the infamous refusal of violence by CERO in Dead Space.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to release for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 on March 20.

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2025-01-30 18:12