Microsoft has officially announced that the PlayStation 5 version of Gears of War: Reloaded will not be released in Japan. This marks the second time the iconic franchise has faced release challenges in the country. Back in 2015, the launch of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition—a remaster of the original game—was also delayed in Japan due to legal and regulatory issues. Now, nearly ten years later, the remastered title is hitting another roadblock—this time impacting only PS5 users.

Multiplayer Beta Still On Track – Except for PS5 in Japan

Despite the setback, anticipation is building for the upcoming multiplayer beta, which kicks off on June 14. Anyone who pre-orders Gears of War: Reloaded or subscribes to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass will have access to the beta. However, as fans gear up for multiplayer battles, PlayStation users in Japan are facing disappointment.

PS5 Version Blocked by Japan’s Ratings Board

According to Xbox Wire, the PS5 version of Gears of War: Reloaded failed to comply with Japanese age rating restrictions and Sony’s platform policies. As a result, the PS5 release in Japan has been canceled, even though the game is still scheduled for global release on August 27. This is particularly frustrating for fans, as the PS5 version was expected to offer exclusive enhancements on the PS5 Pro—features now unavailable to players in that region.

Xbox, PC, and Steam Versions Will Still Launch in Japan

Interestingly, this restriction only affects the PlayStation version. The game will still launch in Japan on Xbox consoles, PC, and Steam, raising questions about the inconsistency in platform regulations.

Why Was the Game Canceled on PS5 in Japan?

The likely reason is the game’s intense violence and gore. Japan’s game rating system, governed primarily by CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization), is known for its strict and sometimes controversial decisions. For example, while Stellar Blade received a 17+ rating, the Dead Space remake was completely rejected due to its graphic content.

It’s worth noting that Stellar Blade likely toned down its content to meet Japan’s standards, something Gears of War: Reloaded may not have done. This puts the new remaster in the same tough spot that Dead Space faced.

Missed Opportunity for PlayStation Fans in Japan

This decision is particularly disappointing given the recent success of Xbox-published games on Sony’s platform. Titles like Oblivion Remastered have topped PS5 sales charts in the U.S., and Forza Horizon 5 has also seen strong interest from PlayStation users.

Had Gears of War: Reloaded launched on PS5 in Japan, it likely would have been another major hit. Unfortunately, without a compromise between Microsoft, Sony, and Japanese regulators, Japanese PS5 players will miss out—at least for now.