Ubisoft has announced changes to the Japanese version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to meet the strict standards of CERO, Japan’s video game rating organization, which raised concerns about the level of gore.
In a statement shared on social media, Ubisoft confirmed that they are making necessary adjustments to the game to align with CERO’s regulations.
Currently rated CERO Z—restricted to players aged 18 and older—Assassin’s Creed Shadows was found to include content deemed excessively violent, even for that category. CERO requested further changes. To comply, Ubisoft announced that certain graphic and violent elements within the game’s combat system would be removed entirely.
The elements are the dismemberment toggle, which allows players to enable or disable dismemberment, will be completely omitted in the Japanese edition. Additionally, the portrayal of severed body parts and limbs will be toned down, and adjustments will be made to the in-game dialogue specific to the Japanese version.
Ubisoft, however, has not provided specific details about these changes. However, as we get closer to the title’s release date in March, we can expect more details.
The controversy surrounding CERO’s stringent approach to dismemberment is not new. In 2024, EA Japan’s General Manager, Shaun Noguchi, criticized the inconsistency in CERO’s ratings.
For instance, while Stellar Blade—featuring significant violence—secured a CERO D rating (for players 17 and older), the Dead Space remake was denied a rating altogether due to its depiction of severed limbs and internal organs.
This development adds to the rocky journey of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as it has has faced multiple delays but is now gearing up for its anticipated release in March. Fans are finally seeing promising updates, despite recent challenges.
Ubisoft recently shared exciting details, including the introduction of Claws of Awaji, a bonus DLC available for those who preorder any edition of the game. This downloadable content promises approximately 10 hours of gameplay, offering players a new region to explore, a fresh storyline, and a confrontational enemy faction called the Sanzoku Ippa.
Despite the countless hurdles the game has faced, Ubisoft are pretty confident in the title. On that note, what do you think of the Japanese version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows being censored? Let us know in the comments section.
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