Ubisoft is making some significant edits to its upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, specifically for its release in Japan. In an effort to align with the standards set by CERO, Japan’s game rating authority, Ubisoft decided to tone down the game’s gore and remove scenes depicting dismemberment. Despite these changes, Assassin’s Creed Shadows still holds a CERO Z rating, restricting it to players 18 and older. The developers had to make further adjustments to secure this rating, reflecting CERO’s strict stance on violence in video games.
After facing several delays, fans can look forward to Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally arriving in March, accompanied by an array of positive updates. Ubisoft has unveiled plans for a free DLC titled “Claws of Awaji” for those who pre-order the game. This content promises nearly 10 hours of new gameplay, featuring a fresh region to explore and an engaging storyline that pits players against the enemy faction, Sanzoku Ippa. However, as anticipation for the launch builds, Ubisoft found itself navigating new challenges with the game’s Japanese version.
In a recent Twitter announcement, Ubisoft explained its decision to censor certain elements of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to comply with CERO’s regulations. Although the game was labeled CERO Z for its mature content, CERO insisted on additional modifications, believing the game still contained excessive violence for the rating. This echoes similar demands on titles like Capcom’s Resident Evil Village, necessitating content changes to meet the board’s criteria.
To adhere to CERO’s requirements, Ubisoft plans to eliminate some of the more graphic elements within the game’s combat sequences. While the standard version allows players to toggle the level of gore, the Japanese edition will automatically disable dismemberment. Moreover, Ubisoft will adjust how severed limbs and other graphic content are shown, along with certain changes to the Japanese dialogue, though specifics remain under wraps.
This situation adds to the ongoing debate surrounding CERO’s approach to video game content. Back in 2024, the agency sparked controversy with its ratings for violent content when EA Japan’s General Manager, Shaun Noguchi, pointed out inconsistencies. CERO had refused to rate a Dead Space remake for graphic depiction of body parts but had less stringent requirements for Stellar Blade, which received a CERO D rating despite similar violent themes.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, across various platforms including PlayStation and Xbox Series X|S. Players can dive into the rich tapestry of feudal Japan, becoming part of an epic action-adventure. They’ll step into the shoes of a skilled shinobi, Naoe, and the legendary samurai Yasuke. This immersive world allows players to seamlessly switch between these two distinct playstyles, embark on a journey filled with stealth, strategy, and engaging combat. Whether recruiting allies or customizing a hideout, players will find a dynamic world teeming with historical intrigue and action.
