Content Being Cut from Japanese Version of Baldur’s Gate 3

Spike Chunsoft announced that content will be cut from the Japanese version of Baldur’s Gate 3. This is being done in order to comply within CERO’s Code of Ethics regarding “banned expressions.” [Thanks, Game Watch!]

In the Japanese version of Baldur’s Gate 3, the ability to show explicit content including “display of genitals,” “display of nudity in cutscenes,” and “view sex scenes” will be removed. The Japanese version of the game will also change how internal organs are shown. Finally, Spike Chunsoft noted that Larian removed the option for players to torture NPCs at the Goblin Camp.

Although Baldur’s Gate 3 received a CERO Z rating in Japan which restricts the game to players 18 years old or older, these changes are meant to comply with Article 7 “Banned Expressions” of CERO’s Code of Ethics which states in part:

1. The banned expressions prescribed in Appendix 3 shall not be used in computer and video games for household use.

Within Appendix 3 of CERO’s Code of Ethics, it states that the “expression of genitals and parts thereof,” “expression of sexual intercourse or sexual-intercourse-associated embracing, caressing, etc.,” “expression of mutilation/body-cutting that gives an extremely cruel impression,” “expressions of killing/wounding that gives an extremely cruel impression,” and “expression for the sake of a mass murder/violence that is not necessarily related to the theme or concept” among other items are banned in any games rated in Japan.

Baldur’s Gate 3 recently went up for pre-order in Japan after the reveal of its release date. It will be priced at 8,580 yen (~$58). For those who pre-order the physical version of the game in Japan, they will receive an “Adventurer’s Guide” strategy book as a bonus item which contains information how to progress through the game and how to use the dice roll mechanics. 

The Japanese version of Baldur’s Gate III will be released on December 21, 2023. Baldur’s Gate III available to play in English on PS5 and PC. The game will be releasing on Xbox Series X in 2023.