The upcoming release of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered has reignited the debate surrounding Japan's CERO age rating board. Suda51 and Shinji Mikami, the creative minds behind the game, have openly criticized the censorship imposed on the remastered version for its Japanese console release.

Industry Veterans Voice Concerns Over Censorship

In an interview with GameSpark, both Suda51 and Shinji Mikami expressed their disappointment. Suda51 highlighted the significant development challenges caused by needing to create two versions of the game – one uncensored and one compliant with CERO's regulations. This duplication, he stated, substantially increased workload and extended the development timeline.

Mikami, renowned for his work on iconic horror titles like Resident Evil, criticized CERO's disconnect with modern gamers. He argued that preventing players from experiencing the full game, particularly those who actively seek mature content, is counterintuitive and frustrating. He questioned the rationale behind restricting content appreciated by a significant portion of the gaming audience.

CERO's Rating System Under Scrutiny

CERO's rating system, encompassing categories like CERO D (17+) and CERO Z (18+), has been a point of contention for years. The original Resident Evil, a seminal work in the horror genre, featured graphic content and set a precedent for mature-rated games. Even its 2015 remake retained this element and received a CERO Z rating.

Suda51 directly questioned the effectiveness and purpose of CERO's restrictions, emphasizing the lack of consideration for the players' desires. He expressed uncertainty about the intended target audience for these restrictions, suggesting they may not align with the preferences of the gaming community.

Not an Isolated Incident

This isn't the first time CERO's practices have drawn criticism. Earlier this year, EA Japan's General Manager, Shaun Noguchi, highlighted inconsistencies in CERO's ratings, citing the approval of Stellar Blade with a CERO D rating while rejecting Dead Space. The ongoing debate underscores the need for a more transparent and consistent approach to age ratings within the Japanese gaming industry. The developers' frustrations highlight a growing disconnect between regulatory bodies and the evolving preferences of modern gamers.