The German games classification entity USK is pretty strict when it comes to violence and nudity, and they flat out refused to rate Gal*Gun 2 for the Nintendo Switch.
Gal*Gun 2 is a “Bishōjo game”, also known as a “pretty girl game” or “Gal game”, hence the title. Its gameplay features young girls in often very suggestive clothing — which the Germans did not appreciate and consider worthy of a rating.
German players will still be able to buy the game digitally, or even in stores as long as they’re 18+, so it’s not a complete disaster for the publisher.
Speaking of the publisher, they released a statement, which is very diplomatic and makes a strong argument:
“We’ll always try to get games through classification regardless of the possibility of it being denied, as we feel that everyone should have the right and the access to play the games they want to play.
It is our opinion that disliking the content in a piece of entertainment or art, and voicing that dislike, is totally fine and even encouraged, but denying that work the right to exist in a market based on personal opinions and prejudices, is something we strongly disagree with.
Unfortunately our appeal against this decision has been unsuccessful. Given that Gal*Gun: Double Peace did receive classification in Germany, we’re doubly disappointed that we cannot bring the highly-anticipated title to our fans in Germany. However, we will have to accept and respect the decision of the USK.”
You can check out the trailer for the game below.
