The Callisto Protocol is an incredibly violent game with a lot of blood and gore, which is the source of the issues with the game in Japan.
In Japan, the CERO (Computer Entertainment Ratings Organization) is tasked with providing age ratings for a game, similar to PEGI in Europe and the ESRB in North America. A game's age rating will often determine what stores will be willing to stock it on their shelves, with the bigger retailers sometimes refusing to stock certain games if their rating is too high. A company has options if a game has been refused a rating, as games can be altered to meet the requests of the ratings board. A developer is also allowed to resubmit after refusal, as was the case when The Medium was refused classification in Australia, before resubmitting and receiving an R18+ rating.
According to IGN Japan, The Callisto Protocol has been refused a CERO rating in Japan and has been canceled, as the developers will not release a toned-down version in the region. Those who ordered the game before it was canceled will receive a full refund. The Callisto Protocol did receive an ESRB rating in North America, and it will be released as a Mature 17+ title, thanks to its violence, blood, and strong language.
The Callisto Protocol Won't Be Released In Japan, Due To Being Too Violent
This news came at the last minute, as Screen Rant's preview of The Callisto Protocol is also live, and it discusses the gory content that resulted in it not receiving a CERO rating.
The Callisto Protocol is set to launch on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on December 2, so there isn't much time left for the developers to amend the game for the Japanese market. The official statement made by the team suggests that they won't even attempt to censor the game, as it will diminish the intended experience of The Callisto Protocol.
It seems that horror fans in Japan will have to resort to purchasing international copies, but at least there is still an avenue available to those who want to play the game. The Callisto Protocol has extremely violent combat, but getting so gory that it can't actually be sold somewhere is something not many other games can claim. Come December, fans will be able to judge for themselves whether the gore was worth the legal difficulties.
