Anime-Style Assassin’s Creed Shadow Censored in Japan Over CERO Ratings Controversy

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Summary

  • Ubisoft censors Assassin’s Creed Shadows in Japan to comply with CERO, removing graphic content and dismemberment.
  • AC: Shadows earned a CERO Z rating, meaning 18+ only, though Ubisoft was required to change more to fit that rating.
  • Violence and dismemberment concerns by CERO set off a controversy with EA in 2024 over Dead Space not being rated.

Ubisoft has revealed that the release of “Assassin’s Creed: Shadow” in Japan will undergo censorship to match the standards set by the local rating board, CERO. This process has taken longer than expected, but with the game scheduled for release in March, there has been a welcome influx of optimistic updates about “Assassin’s Creed: Shadow”.

As a gamer, I’m excited about the latest updates on “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.” If you pre-order this title, you’ll get some cool free DLC called Claws of Awaji, which promises approximately 10 extra hours of content. This expansion includes a fresh region to discover and a captivating storyline centered around the Sanzoku Ippa, a formidable enemy faction. Despite all the buzz surrounding “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” Ubisoft seems to have hit another snag with the Japanese version of the game.

In a recent tweet, Ubisoft announced that they are modifying and omitting specific elements from the game “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” to align with CERO, Japan’s regional gaming rating agency. At present, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” holds a CERO Z rating, meaning it’s not accessible for individuals under 18. Despite this rating, the organization believes that the level of violence is excessive for a CERO Z classification and has requested Ubisoft to carry out further alterations, much like Capcom had to when adjusting “Resident Evil Village.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Censors Violence and Dismemberment in Japan

As a passionate fan, I want to share that in adherence to CERO’s guidelines, Ubisoft has decided to make certain changes in the graphic content and gore within “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” combat. In the game’s settings, players currently have an option for dismemberment, but for the Japanese version, this option will be entirely removed, and dismemberment will be disabled completely. Furthermore, Ubisoft is altering how severed limbs and body parts are portrayed, and they’re also modifying some of the Japanese language dialogue, without revealing specific details yet.

It’s worth noting that CERO has previously encountered controversy surrounding dismemberment in games. In 2024, for instance, the EA Japan General Manager, Shaun Noguchi, criticized CERO’s decision regarding Stellar Blade. The game was rated 17 and up, yet CERO refused to rate the remake of Dead Space, citing its graphic depictions of severed body parts and internal organs. Interestingly, Stellar Blade, which also contained such violent elements, managed to secure a CERO D rating.

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2025-01-27 17:56