While the PS5 version of 『Valor Mortis』 and the PS5/Nintendo Switch versions of 『Tenebris Somnia』 are available overseas, as of October 19, 2026, they have not been released in Japan. The Xbox versions of both titles are available in Japan with an IARC rating of “18+.”
Two Notable Indie Titles Remain Unreleased on PS5 and Switch in Japan; CERO Rating May Be the Obstacle
The first-person “Souls-like” action game *Valor Mortis* was released for PS5 overseas on October 13, but has not yet been released in Japan. Although a store page for the Japanese market was visible in early 2026, it is currently unavailable (Wayback Machine).
On October 9, the official X account explained that the game is currently unavailable for purchase on PlayStation in Japan because the rating review process for the Japanese market has not been completed. The developers reportedly are actively working to resolve the issue and will provide an update as soon as there is progress.
Meanwhile, while the PS5 and Nintendo Switch versions of “Tenebris Somnia” were released overseas on October 16, the game has not yet been released in Japan. A domestic physical edition by Happinet is planned, and obtaining a CERO rating will be required for its release.
The Xbox versions of both titles are sold in Japan with an “18+” rating through the global age rating system IARC. However, this does not mean that the domestic PS5 and Nintendo Switch versions can be released with the same rating.
PlayStation and Nintendo Switch also adopt the IARC system for some downloadable software. However, releasing titles with an “IARC 18+” rating as-is in domestic stores is not permitted, and such titles are required to obtain a CERO rating.
In fact, there have been cases where specific versions for certain consoles in Japan were canceled because they could not obtain a CERO rating.
*Gears of War: Reloaded* was unable to obtain a CERO rating primarily due to blood, graphic depictions of cruelty, and intense violence, resulting in the cancellation of the domestic PS5 version’s release. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X|S version, rated IARC 18+, has been released, and the PC version is also available in Japan.
“Halloween: The Game,” based on the movie “Halloween,” also failed to obtain a CERO rating, leading to the cancellation of its domestic PS5 release.
Developer IllFonic explained that it determined that modifying the game’s content to meet the rating criteria would compromise the worldview of the original movie and the gaming experience players expect. The Xbox and PC versions of the game are available in Japan.
While there are signs of movement toward a domestic release—such as the announcement that *Valor Mortis* is awaiting rating review and plans for a domestic physical edition of *Tenebris Somnia*—neither title has announced any changes to their content specifically for the Japanese market.
Given that there have been cases in the past where games were unable to obtain a rating and their Japanese PS5 releases were consequently canceled, it remains to be seen how these two titles will be released. We hope that players in Japan will be able to enjoy these games on PS5 and Switch while preserving their original content.
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