So, Microsoft kinda let this cat out of the bag, right? Gears of War: Reloaded is decking out the Xbox Series X and S, Xbox PC, Game Pass, and even snagging a spot on PC via Steam in Japan. PS5, though? Nope. Nada. Zip. It’s like, “Japan, you get a raincheck.” Seems Microsoft made the announcement through Xbox Live Japan, and they’ve circled August for this drop date. Why no PS5 love? That’s a juicy bit.
So, word on the street is, something about “regional rating restrictions” and “platform policies.” Translation: Japan’s CERO, which is like the ultimate game referee over there, probably blew the whistle. If I had to speculate (which I totally am), the bloody violence and chainsaw mayhem in Gears of War got a big fat no from them. I mean, hacking enemies up with chainsaws is hardcore and all but doesn’t exactly win you brownie points with CERO. Callisto Protocol and Dead Space got the axe in Japan too, y’know. Hmm, are we seeing a pattern?
Here’s the thing: other platforms in Japan are getting it. It’s a weird game of platform politics. See, if CERO says no, developers typically tweak the game to tone down the gore or they just skip CERO and go for IARC instead. But the PlayStation Store is like, “No IARC ratings unless it’s passed by CERO,” which I guess they call “platform policies.” Over on the Japanese Microsoft Store page for this game, there you’ve got your IARC 18+ stamp of approval, but it’s crickets on any CERO Z (18+). Interesting choice, Microsoft. Bold move.
Remember the good old days of the Xbox 360? The first Gears had its bloody bits blurred out. Seems like Japan’s been cleaning up its virtual streets for quite a while now. Fast forward to today, and everyone’s curious—will Reloaded get the same treatment, or do we brace for more chainsaw carnage?
Oh, and before I forget, Xbox’s big show in June teased the new Reloaded trailer. Gears of War: E-Day didn’t get its spotlight but hey, Xbox’s Phil Spencer hinted it’s rolling in 2026. It’s like waiting for your favorite band to drop that new album, right? Anyway, if you’re curious about what else got teased, Xbox Games Showcase June 2025 has all that jazz.
Verity Townsend – she’s quite the reporter in Japan, writing awesome stuff for Automaton West and more. If you’re into games, culture, or movies, she’s got you covered. Alright, let’s keep our fingers crossed for more news soon, eh?
