Capcom skips Gamescom due to Dead Rising content

Japanese publisher Capcom has said that it will not exhibit at Gamescom this year as the German ratings board has not yet rated forthcoming game Dead Rising 2.

Without knowing whether the game will be granted a release – which seems unlikely as the original Dead Rising was banned in the region – the publisher said it was not willing to commit to the European show as it only has one other title for release this year.

"Gamescom allows publishers and developers an excellent opportunity to promote their titles to both consumers and media. Therefore when taking the decision to exhibit we must weigh up what we can offer both of these groups at that time," said Capcom in a statement.

"In the case of consumers we feel it makes sense for them to experience the titles that will be available in stores over the next few months and right now we have confirmed two titles for release between August and the end of the year – Dead Rising 2 and Sengoku Basara Samurai Heroes. As you are probably aware the first Dead Rising was banned in Germany and as we are still awaiting a verdict from the USK for Dead Rising 2 it would be remiss of us to promote the sequel to consumers in Germany. While Sengoku Basara is a great title we cannot justify solely exhibiting this one game."

However, the company did say it would attend Gamescom to talk to the press and show its games behind closed doors.

"While Capcom will not have a presence in the Koln Messe at this year’s Gamescom we will be meeting with media to preview some of our forthcoming titles."

Gamecom takes place in Cologne, Germany, August 18-22.