The German rating board USK has declined to grant a rating to Codematers’ upcoming next-gen horror title Clive Barker’s Jericho, effectively banning it from sale in the region. However, Codemasters has confirmed that it will not change the “artistic vision” of the game in an effort to reverse the decision.

The USK claimed to be displeased by “brutal scenes” contained within the game. It is not the first time the board has clamped down on a title – Microsoft’s Gears of War was not granted a release in the country.

"Following a review by the USK ratings board, which declined to give an official rating, Codemasters has decided not to change the artistic vision of the renowned author and filmmaker Clive Barker though cuts and extensive changes," the publisher told Next-Gen.

"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 for adult gamers and Clive Barker fans.”