New survival horror game is so gory it cannot be released in Japan

A new survival horror game has proven to be so gory that it cannot be released in Japan, with developers putting their foot down and refusing to make any changes.

Developed by Striking Distance Studio, The Callisto Protocol is a survival-horror game due for release later this year, set in a prison colony called Black Iron based on Jupiter’s moon, Callisto.

Early reviews say the game is a ‘brutal’ and ‘gory’ ride – so much so, in fact, that it can’t be released in Japan due to strict video game restrictions in the country.

Striking Distance confirmed the news on the game’s official social media channels, explaining that customers who had pre-ordered would be refunded.

“As of now, the CERO rating cannot be passed,” the statement said.

“We have decided that we would no longer be able to provide you with the experience you need. We hope everyone in Japan will understand. If you have already pre-ordered, we will refund you.”

Striking Distance Studios

Dr Serkan Toto, an analyst based in Tokyo, explained on Twitter how game censorship in Japan has grown stricter since CERO – local rating agency the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization – was set up in 2002.

“Games censored for nudity and violence in Japan include Last Of Us, Cyberpunk, Uncharted 1, Witcher 3, GTA V etc,” he wrote. “Needless to say, censorship also affects home-made games, i.e. Resident Evil – when compared to the Western release.

“It is also important to understand that sometimes, Japanese games get 2 releases, one cut and one ‘gory’ version. The gory version typically sells better. The problem is that the gory version, which usually carries CERO’s strictest ‘Z’ rating for ages 18+, is ALSO censored when compared with the Western release.

“In other words, avoid the Japanese version of such games at all costs – they are always censored.”

Striking Distance Studios

The fact that The Callisto Protocol is pretty graphic isn't something anyone seems to be disputing, with UNILAD’s sister site GAMINGbible describing it as ‘the most brutal game of the year’ - and also the goriest game our writer had ever played.

“I’m sliding down a tube of faecal matter at high pace, narrowly missing the timing to evade an oncoming piece of machinery,” the review says.

“I’m thrusted up into the ceiling by a blade as my body is literally ripped in two. The screen goes black and I can see myself gasping in the reflection at the sheer brutality of The Callisto Protocol.

“After playing around 90 minutes of Striking Distance Studios’ upcoming horror title, two main things stick in my mind. One: the game is gruesome, possibly the most gory game I’ve ever played. Two: the game is hard. Not quite Elden Ring hard, but much more difficult than I imagined.”

The Callisto Protocol will be available to play from 2 December 2022.