Gears Of War 4’s Japanese Ban Lifted: Uncut Release Coming on May 25
David Gelmini
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Although it didn’t come as much of a surprise, many were still disappointed when Gears of War 4 was refused classification in Japan last year, meaning that it would be banned in the country. Japan’s video game rating’s body, known as the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), are notoriously strict on graphic violence, particularly when it comes to decapitation and dismemberment of human and human-like like enemies, and although previous Gears of War games were censored in Japan, 4 was the first to be outright banned because of its excessive gore.
The YouTube channel Censored Gaming created a handy video going into the specifics of why the game couldn’t be released over there.
There’s a happy ending to this story, however, as the ban has now been lifted. As reported by Dualshockers, Microsoft once again submitted Gears of War 4 for release in Japan and were able to get it passed without making any cuts. It’s received the 18+ CERO Z certificate, the Japan’s only legally enforceable video game rating.
While it’s not clear how they were able to get the uncut version approved after it was originally banned, this is still great news for Japanese gamers and hopefully a sign that the country will gradually become less restrictive and more liberal when it comes to gaming.
Like its predecessors, the Xbox One has been a commercial failure in Japan, so Microsoft are also probably overjoyed that they can now finally boost the console’s brand recognition by releasing their biggest exclusive of 2016 in the country. The Japanese Xbox YouTube channel has already begun marketing the game with two new trailers.
Gears of War 4 will arrive fully uncut in Japan on May 25th.
Categorized:Horror Gaming News
