Ubisoft’s upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has reportedly undergone censorship in Japan, sparking debates among fans and industry watchers. While the full extent of the changes remains unclear, early reports suggest that Ubisoft has modified certain scenes and gameplay elements to comply with Japanese rating board standards.
This development has raised concerns among some players, particularly those who were hoping for an authentic and unfiltered portrayal of Feudal Japan in the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed installment.
What’s Being Censored?
According to sources, the Japanese version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been altered in the following ways:
- Less Graphic Violence:
- Some of the more brutal executions and blood effects have been toned down.
- Certain dismemberment animations have reportedly been removed or altered.
- Nudity Adjustments:
- Like previous Assassin’s Creed titles, the game features historically accurate nudity in specific scenes, which has been partially censored in the Japanese version.
- Some suggest that character models have been altered or that alternative clothing options have been added.
- Cultural Sensitivities:
- There is speculation that certain story elements involving historical figures or depictions of authority may have been softened to align with local cultural standards.
- Ubisoft may have also altered character dialogue to avoid controversy with Japanese history and samurai portrayal.
Why Is Ubisoft Censoring the Game?
The censorship is believed to be a result of Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), which has stricter guidelines compared to Western rating systems like ESRB and PEGI. CERO often enforces changes to violence, sexual content, and politically sensitive material to meet Japan’s gaming regulations.
Ubisoft has previously adjusted its Assassin’s Creed games for the Japanese market, with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Origins receiving modifications to comply with CERO’s requirements.
A Ubisoft spokesperson commented:
“We always strive to ensure our games meet regional rating standards while maintaining the integrity of the original experience.”
While this suggests that the core game remains intact, some fans are still concerned about whether these changes will impact the storytelling and authenticity of the game.
