There are horror games that do without a lot of bloodshed (for example, currently Little Nightmares 2), but a pinch of splatter is usually a good form in the genre, as is the case with the long-established Resident Evil series. The current part of the series, Resident Evil Village, will be released in Japan in two versions. One of them is approved for ages 18 and over, the other for ages 17 and over. In Japan, the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO for short) regulates age ratings for games (similar to the USK in this country) and uses five levels for labeling: approved without age restriction, suitable from 12 years, suitable from 15 years, suitable from 17 years and suitable from 18 years. Games of the last level may not be presented in stores together with games for younger consumers and are subject to further restrictions on sale. For this reason, Capcom decided to bring two variants on the market in Japan, even if the difference in the age rating of only one year may seem marginal.
Both the version 17 and over and the version approved for 18 and over are censored compared to the international editions. It’s all about specific differences Capcom in the Japanese FAQ article not one, but notes that there will be no beheadings in the Japanese version of Resident Evil Village and that less blood flows. In addition, the FAQ vaguely indicates that content has been removed that was not compatible with the Code of ethics of the CERO organization are to be agreed. That would be things like dismemberments and “extremely gruesome depictions of killings”. It is not clear how much leeway these vague guidelines offer. Capcom is referring to the PS4 version of Resident Evil Village when explaining the cuts, but these will most likely also be used for the rest of the versions of the game in Japan.
Censored violence is not uncommon in Japanese games: The Far East version of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, for example, has been relieved of a brutal scene, in The Witcher 3 Geralt fights less bloody in Asia. It is not yet known whether cuts to Resident Evil Village are to be feared in Germany. Resident Evil Village launches worldwide on May 7th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC.
Those: pcgamer.com