The ratings game continues to be a sore spot for IllFonic and Halloween: The Game. After the whole thing with Australia and New Zealand, it’s apparently now Japan’s turn, as the game has now been denied a CERO rating for the PlayStation version. As a result, the game will not be getting a Japanese release for the PlayStation 5.
IllFonic relayed the news to fans via X, stating that while the game will release digitally as scheduled next week for the Xbox Series, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store in Japan, the PlayStation release has been cancelled “due to our inability to obtain a domestic rating from CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization) for the title’s visceral violence and nudity.”
IllFonic stated that in order for the Halloween PS5 version to be released in Japan in compliance with CERO, they would need to “significantly compromise the worldview of the original film, and would also prevent us from providing the gameplay experience that players expect.”
Those Japanese fans who pre-ordered the PS5 version will be eligible for refunds, though they’ll need to go through the PlayStation Store. It’s not clear as to why the PC and Xbox versions are allowed to release.
Halloween: The Game will launch digitally on September 8 (September 9 in Japan). The physical release will launch on October 6.
