Germany Refuses Rating For Clive Barker’s Jericho

Officials from Codemasters have confirmed that forthcoming horror themed action game Clive Barker’s Jericho has been effectively banned in Germany, after being refused a rating by the USK ratings board. Other worldwide releases are not affected. In a statement released to Gamasutra, a spokesperson commented: "Codemasters has decided not to change the artistic vision of the renowned author and filmmaker Clive Barker through cuts and extensive changes." “Codemasters respects Mr Barker’s creative ideas, despite the German distribution and marketing consequences for the title. Therefore, Codemasters will release the PC version of Clive Barker’s Jericho in its original form on the 26th of October [23rd October for North America] for adult gamers and Clive Barker fans.” Gamasutra understands that the move by the USK has come as little surprise at Codemasters, with the game featuring many disturbing concepts and visuals – as might be expected by the creator of the Hellraiser film series. However, the game is just the latest in a series of high profile games which have been banned in Germany in recent years, including the infamous Manhunt 2, alongside less overtly controversial titles such as Epic's Gears of War and Capcom's Dead Rising.