Shadows censors gore and violence for Japanese release

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is preparing for release in Japan with altered graphics to meet the country’s CERO ratings board requirements.

The company has openly communicated these changes ahead of the game’s launch, with an announcement on Ubisoft’s official Japanese X account.

『アサシン クリード シャドウズ』海外版（北米・欧州）と日本版 表現差異について#AssassinsCreedShadows pic.twitter.com/v3XrcppwMf

— Ubisoft Japan (@UBISOFT_JAPAN) January 24, 2025

Significant modifications include the removal of the ability to toggle gore and amputations on or off, as the Japanese version will not depict such violence.

The announcement also hints at changes to Japanese audio in overseas versions (North America and Europe), without providing specifics.

Ubisoft’s commitment to historical accuracy in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has faced scrutiny since its reveal, particularly from Japanese critics.

It is speculated that alterations in the Japanese version aim to prevent discrepancies in historical accuracy from being noticed by Japanese audiences who may have a deeper knowledge of Japanese history compared to Western fans.

Instances like this highlight the differing approaches to censorship, with the West often censoring sexual content and Japan focusing on violence.