Gears of War: Reloaded Will Not Launch on PS5 in Japan
Microsoft has announced through Xbox Live Japan that the highly anticipated remastered version of the original Gears of War, titled Gears of War: Reloaded, will not be available for purchase on the PlayStation 5 in Japan. Despite this, the game is set to release on other platforms, including Xbox Series X and S, PC via Steam, and through Xbox Game Pass, with an expected launch date of August 26, 2025.
Reasons Behind the PS5 Release Cancellation
According to official statements from Microsoft, the decision to exclude Gears of War: Reloaded from the PlayStation Store in Japan stems from “regional rating restrictions” and “platform policies.” The term “regional rating restrictions” refers to the standards set by CERO, Japan’s official game classification board. Although specific details about which aspects of the game failed to meet CERO’s criteria have not been disclosed, it is widely believed that the game’s violent content and graphic gore played a significant role.
The Content Controversy and Japan’s Strict Rating System
The Gears of War franchise is notorious for its brutal combat mechanics, featuring chainsaw weapons that allow players to perform bloody executions. One of the categories frequently scrutinized by CERO is “mutilation and body-cutting,” which encompasses intense depictions of limb severance and bloodshed. Historically, Japan’s rating board has maintained a strict stance against explicit violence, with recent examples including the ban of titles like The Callisto Protocol and the 2023 Dead Space remake on consoles in Japan.
Platform Policies and Rating Strategies
So why is Gears of War: Reloaded still available on other platforms in Japan? The key factor lies in Japan’s classification process. If a game fails to obtain a CERO rating, developers have two options: they can either modify the game to meet rating standards and seek reclassification, or they can apply for an alternative rating from the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). In Japan, all titles with content rated 18+ must receive CERO approval for sale on the PlayStation Store. The Japanese Microsoft Store page for Gears of War: Reloaded displays an IARC 18+ rating, without a CERO certification, indicating that Microsoft chose to pursue IARC classification after the game couldn’t secure a CERO Z (18+) rating.
Historical Context and Possible Censorship
It’s worth noting that the original Xbox 360 version of Gears of War was censored for the Japanese market, with severed limbs blacked out to meet content standards. As of now, it remains unclear whether Gears of War: Reloaded will undergo similar censorship in Japan or be released in its original form.
Upcoming Launches and Trailers
A new trailer for Gears of War: Reloaded was showcased during Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, generating excitement among fans. Interestingly, the prequel Gears of War: E-Day was omitted from this showcase but is confirmed by Xbox boss Phil Spencer to be releasing in 2026. Fans can look forward to more updates and announcements related to the Gears of War franchise as the release date approaches.
About the Author
Verity Townsend is a freelance writer based in Japan with extensive experience in gaming journalism. She previously worked as an editor, contributor, and translator for the gaming news site Automaton West and has written extensively about Japanese culture and cinema for various publications.
Emma Blake
Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.
