As the release date draws closer, Ubisoft dropped another update on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, particularly for the Japanese audience. In a recent post, the company revealed that the game will be released with censorship on certain game elements compared to the overseas version of the game.
People in Japan will see Assassin’s Creed Shadows with a CERO: Z rating which will not feature some of the graphic components from the global release. These include the amputation of body parts during the fight. The option to turn it on or off has also been removed.
As per the developers, this is to comply with the regulations of the certification body. However, people are confused as the game already has an 18+ rating. The Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) already gave the game a Z rating which is for these types of games. Along with amputation, certain expressions of some Japanese voices played in the overseas version will also be different.
Also Read: Assassin's Creed Shadows: PC system requirements unveiled
Gamers question Assassin’s Creed Shadows censorship
Games released in Japan have always had some caveat in one way or another, but fans are asking if Ghost of Tsushima can have decapitation but Assassin’s Creed Shadows can’t. Stellar Blade even got a CERO: D rating and the game was the same as the global release, a topic that was questioned by EA Japan's general manager.
Between the censorship and the ongoing controversy, it’s hard to tell what the future holds for the franchise and Ubisoft. Speaking of Ubisoft, there are also rumors that the company is joining Savvy Games Group to bring a new Assassin’s Creed Mirage DLC.
An official announcement regarding the DLC is yet to be made. The game itself saw decent reviews with most of the complaints regarding stretched stealth and a bit lackluster story, but that’s likely due to the game originally planned as the DLC for AC Valhalla.