It has been revealed that some content will be cut from the Japanese version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows as the content is too graphic.

dead space, assassin's creed shadows and stellar blade

It seems like the graphic content in Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows got too much for Japanese ratings organization CERO as it has ordered Ubisoft to remove it from the game if it wishes to release the game in Japan. An official statement from Ubisoft has confirmed that Japanese players will not be able to experience the realistic nature of the game as dismemberment will be removed.

A still from Assassin's Creed ShadowsUbisoft will have to cut graphic content from the Japanese version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Image via Ubisoft)

Every version of the game will have an option to turn off dismemberment, however, no such option will be provided to Japanese players as it will be permanently off. Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ development process has been full of setbacks, but finally, it seems like Ubisoft is all prepared for its release in March 2025.

Ubisoft will cut some content from Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ Japanese version

Assassins Creed Shadows 2

⛶

Assassins Creed Shadows Ubisoft 1

⛶

An in-game screenshot of Assassin's Creed Shadows from Ubisoft.

⛶

Assassin's Creed Shadows faced some level of controversy but is shaping up to be a great gaming experience.

⛶

Assassins Creed Shadows 3

⛶

Assassins Creed Shadows 2
Assassins Creed Shadows Ubisoft 1
An in-game screenshot of Assassin's Creed Shadows from Ubisoft.
Assassin's Creed Shadows faced some level of controversy but is shaping up to be a great gaming experience.
Assassins Creed Shadows 3

Ubisoft’s official Japanese account on X has revealed that some parts of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be removed as the studio must comply with Japanese ratings organization CERO. The game has already received a “Z” rating, which means that no one under the age of 18 can purchase the game, however, it seems like CERO still finds the game too graphic.

Players all over the world will have the option to switch off dismemberment in the game. However, this option will always be off in the Japanese version, adding that the depiction of severed limbs and body parts will also be changed in the Japanese version. On top of this, the studio has also mentioned that some of the Japanese language dialogue will be changed as well. Unfortunately, complying with CERO is the only option for Ubisoft as this could stop the game from releasing in Japan.

Despite all the setbacks, it seems like Ubisoft is well-prepared for the game’s release. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is releasing on PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, macOS, and iPadOS on March 20, 2025.

Gamers in Japan are not able to experience games properly due to CERO’s regulations

A still from Dead Space RemakeCERO refused to give Dead Space Remake a rating because of its graphic content (Image via Motive Studio)

A lot of developers had to cut content from their games due to CERO’s regulations. In fact, some developers weren’t able to release their games in the country due to graphic content. In 2024, EA Japan General Manager Shaun Noguchi pointed out (via GameRant) that CERO refused to rate the Dead Space Remake due to its graphic content, however, Stellar Blade, which featured similar violent content, was able to earn a CERO D rating.

Capcom also had to cut some content from its 2021 game Resident Evil Village due to CERO’s regulations. In Japan, two versions of the game were released, one with a Z and one with a D rating. The biggest difference in these versions was that they didn’t feature decapitations. Overall, they contained less violence, which was certainly odd for the Resident Evil franchise.