‘We Didn’t Cut a Thing’ — Extreme Horror Game Hellraiser: Revival Secures Its ESRB Rating

If you’ve caught any glimpse of the upcoming survival horror title Hellraiser: Revival, you’ll quickly realize it’s not for the squeamish. Packed with brutal violence, visceral gore, and BDSM-themed sex and nudity, this game is a faithful adaptation of the iconic pain-and-pleasure film series. Despite its extreme content, it has successfully earned an ESRB rating without any cuts.

In a recent interview with IGN, Tim Willits, chief creative officer at Saber Interactive, shared the news. “I can confirm we’ve received our ESRB rating, and the best part is we didn’t have to remove anything to get it,” he stated.

This might come as a surprise to some, given that the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in the U.S. and Canada is typically strict about sexual content—something Hellraiser: Revival embraces wholeheartedly. The game’s opening scene features an extended sadomasochistic sequence involving hooks and sharp objects, making it impressive that it passed without alterations.

For other regions, Saber is still navigating the ratings landscape. European boards like PEGI and USK often view graphic violence differently but are more lenient with sexual themes. Meanwhile, the Australian Classification Board takes a harder stance on drug-related content. It remains uncertain whether a single version of Hellraiser: Revival will be released globally or if modified editions will appear based on location.

Saber is actively working on this and feels optimistic. “We’re collaborating with all other ratings groups now, and I believe we’ll do really well,” Willits said. “It’s all about context. This fits the IP perfectly—it’s an artwork and a mature game for mature audiences. We’ve stayed within those boundaries and have been successful in getting the game through various boards.”

Willits and his team are fully committed to the game’s graphic nature. “It’s absolutely a goal for us,” he explained. “If you know the franchise or Clive Barker’s work, you know it pushes limits. When we announced this project, fans online were adamant: ‘They better do it right and not censor it.’ We’ve embraced that challenge. I hope players feel a sense of shock and curiosity, wondering what crazy thing they’ll see next—that’s the emotional response we’re aiming for.”

Last year, Willits mentioned that Saber intended to push the M Rating to its limits with this video game adaptation. In that same IGN interview, he declared, “We’re going as far as the rules allow.” It seems they’ve done just that, securing an ESRB rating well ahead of the game’s release date.

After playing a significant portion of Hellraiser: Revival at gamescom 2025, I can personally attest that this blood-drenched experience is stretching the boundaries of what’s permissible in video games, where internal organs frequently become external. In my full preview, I dubbed it “Resident Evil for sickos,” and I stand by that description, even after seeing the gruesome scenes in Capcom’s latest, Resident Evil: Requiem.