Gears of War: Reloaded Won't Launch on PS5 in Japan

Microsoft has announced that Gears of War: Reloaded will not be released on PS5 in Japan due to regional rating restrictions and platform policies. Set to launch on August 26, 2025, the game will still be available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Game Pass, and Steam in Japan. The decision to exclude the PS5 version is likely linked to the Japanese ratings board, CERO, and its stringent regulations regarding violence, particularly in regard to the iconic chainsaw weapons present in the Gears of War franchise. This has previously affected other titles, leading to bans on consoles in Japan. The remaster's availability on other platforms did not require a CERO approval, as it appears Microsoft opted for an IARC rating instead.

Gears of War: Reloaded will not be available on PS5 in Japan due to the game's inability to secure a classification from CERO, Japan's ratings board, likely because of its violent content. All 18+ games must pass this classification to be sold on the PlayStation Store in Japan, which led Microsoft to only pursue a release on other platforms.

The Gears of War series has gained notoriety for its graphic depictions of violence, including chainsaw executions, making it a target for strict ratings enforcement in regions like Japan. The original Gears of War faced similar issues, with violence being censored in its Japanese release. As gaming continues to evolve, these regional policies impact the global accessibility of popular franchises.