Dying Light: The Beast will launch in Japan with a censored version of the game, adjusted to meet the country’s strict content rules. While the global edition leans into graphic horror, the Japanese release pulls back, cutting gore and nudity to secure a CERO Z rating the highest age classification for video games in Japan.
Dying Light: The Beast trimmed violent content for Japan
Japanese players expecting the same visceral detail found in the global release may be caught off guard. To comply with local regulations, the developers made specific cuts to violent imagery. These include the removal of missing face and torso models, adjustments to female infected character designs, and the complete removal of nudity.
Even with these edits, the game retains full compatibility for co-op play between Japanese and international versions. Players in Japan can still team up with friends using the uncensored global edition without issue.
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CERO Z rating required major visual changes
The official Japanese website for Dying Light: The Beast confirms these changes in a footnote, stating the alterations were essential to receive the CERO Z classification. While this rating allows for adult content, it still requires that certain visuals be toned down.
These localized changes include:
- Altered character models (removal of exposed faces and torsos)
- Censored nudity across all infected designs
- Reduced gore and violence in scripted scenes
- Modified appearance of female enemies
Japan’s censorship puts extra pressure on devs
This isn’t the first time a major horror title has faced hurdles in Japan. Just last year, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered underwent a similar revision. Developers behind that release admitted that preparing separate versions caused a “tremendous impact” on production.
Creating different builds for regional approval often strains teams, especially when maintaining cross-version features like online multiplayer. Despite the extra work, Techland ensured that Japanese players won’t be locked out of the full experience, just the bloodier parts.
For fans of Dying Light: The Beast, the core gameplay remains intact. But in Japan, the horror will arrive a little more clean-cut.
