Millions of PS5 Players Can’t Buy or Play Gears of War: Reloaded

Gears of War: Reloaded PS5 version won’t be available to millions of console owners this August, it has emerged. Microsoft has confirmed that the game will not launch in Japan due to “regional and platform” restrictions. However, it will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S in the region. Gears of War: Reloaded PS5 […] The post Millions of PS5 Players Can’t Buy or Play Gears of War: Reloaded appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Jun 10, 2025 - 21:40

Millions of PS5 Players Can’t Buy or Play Gears of War: Reloaded

Gears of War: Reloaded PS5 version won’t be available to millions of console owners this August, it has emerged. Microsoft has confirmed that the game will not launch in Japan due to “regional and platform” restrictions. However, it will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S in the region.

Gears of War: Reloaded PS5 ban in Japan explained

Gears of War: Reloaded PS5’s Japan release plans has left players puzzled. Initially, it was assumed that the game was simply denied rating by the country’s strict rating board, CERO. But things got confusing when it emerged that Gears of War: Reloaded will release on PC and Xbox in Japan.

So, what exactly happened here and what “platform” restrictions is Microsoft talking about? Automaton Media has the answer.

For games to release in Japan, they must either be rated by CERO or an international body called IARC (International Age Rating Coalition). On their platforms in Japan, Microsoft and Nintendo allow games that are refused classification by CERO but approved by IARC.

Sony, on the other hand, still requires publishers to have CERO’s seal of approval for mature games (18+) to be sold on the PS Store in Japan. And since Gears of War: Reloaded has not been approved by CERO, it’ll be skipping PS5 in the country. Other platforms are content with the IARC rating, so the launch will go ahead as planned.

Automaton Media suggests that Sony currently doesn’t have any plans to change its policies in Japan.

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