Assassin’s Creed Shadows Faces Content Modifications for Japanese Release

Ubisoft has confirmed that the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows will receive specific content modifications for its Japanese release in March 2025, despite securing a CERO Z rating which is equivalent to a Mature or 18+ rating.

In a statement released by Ubisoft, the publisher acknowledged there will be “differences in content” between the Japanese edition and international versions of the game. Most notably, while players in Europe and North America will have the option to toggle amputation features on or off, this setting will be completely removed from the Japanese version.

CERO, Japan’s video game rating board, has mandated that the ability to amputate enemies’ necks and limbs during gameplay will be “always impossible” in the Japanese release. The board also required modifications to how severed body parts are presented in-game before authorizing its release in Japan.

Additionally, Ubisoft noted that changes have been made to “the representation of some Japanese voices” that appear in the North American and European versions, though specific details about these audio modifications have not been provided.

This modification of game content for specific regional releases is not unprecedented in the gaming industry. The changes have allowed Assassin’s Creed Shadows to maintain its CERO Z classification while meeting local content standards for its Japanese release.

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