Assassin’s Creed Shadows To Heavily Censor Gore For Japanese Audience

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The Game Is Already Rated CERO Z (For 18 And Above)

Story Highlight
  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be censored in Japan with toned-down violence to comply with CERO standards.
  • The game’s dialogue will also be quite different from European and North American versions.
  • CERO has a history of harsh ratings for video games released in Japan, which led to the complete ban of Dead Space in the country.

It seems that Assassin’s Creed Shadows can’t catch a break in Japan. From being a target of controversy due to historical inaccuracies to a petition to entirely cancel the game, the Japanese audience isn’t quite pleased with the title.

If that wasn’t enough, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will now be heavily altered for Japanese audience. According to a tweet by Ubisoft Japan, the game will censor gore and dismemberment to comply with CERO standards, a local organization responsible for rating video games.

Why it matters: With brutality and gore a huge part of the game’s combat, censoring such elements will potentially alter the game experience. 

Assassin's Creed Shadows Stealth
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Early Previews Are Quite Positive

For the version of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows (CERO: Z) sold in Japan, there are some differences in the in-game expressions in order to comply with the regulations of the rating agency.

The game already features a toggle for dismemberment for people who don’t prefer gore. However, such an option is entirely removed from the Japanese version of the game. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is already rated CERO Z (18 and above) for Japan, but they were still prevalent in censoring the game.

assassins creed shadows censored
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Censored In Japan || Source: Ubisoft Japan On X

Moreover, the tweet also says that the way weapons will cut the body will also be changed.

Additionally, some of the voice lines in the Japanese version have been changed compared to the North American and European versions of the game. What changes to the dialogue will be made is currently unknown, but we’ll find out upon the game’s release.

CERO is notably one of the most controversial game rating organizations in the world. Its strict rating system requires it to observe certain cultural, sexual, and violent content.

Previously, the Resident Evil series has also faced such censorship in Japan. Cutscenes depicting decapitation or violent scenes can be seen blurred for the Japanese version.

Dead Space is also yet another gore title and didn’t pass the CERO standards. For that, the game was completely banned in Japan.

Do you think CERO is being too harsh on Assassin’s Creed Shadows ratings? Let us know in the comments below or on the official Tech4Gamers forums.

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