The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty Removed from Japanese Switch eShop Pending Age Rating Review

The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty, a gripping visual novel by developer ZerocreationGames and published by 2P Games, has recently been removed from the Nintendo Switch eShop in Japan just four days after its global release.

The unexpected takedown is due to an ongoing age rating review, highlighting the complexities of bringing mature-themed games to international markets and digital storefronts like the Nintendo Switch eShop. Originally launched on Steam in April 2024, The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty quickly established itself as a standout success in the visual novel genre.

With over one million copies sold and more than 40,000 'Overwhelmingly Positive' reviews, the title captured the attention of gamers worldwide.

The narrative, set in late Ming Dynasty China, is praised for its rich storytelling and immersive atmosphere, though it is also known for tackling intense and adult subject matter. When the game debuted on the Nintendo Switch eShop in Japan, it was initially assigned a 16+ IARC rating—one of the lower placements among international boards.

By comparison, The Hungry Lamb received a PEGI 18 rating in the UK, ESRB Teen in North America, and a Mature classification in Australia.

However, given the game's content—which includes themes such as bodily injury, excruciating pain, and depictions of sexual violence as detailed in its expanded 'Mature Content Description' on Steam—a reevaluation seemed likely. According to coverage from Automaton, the Japanese and Hong Kong eShop listings were temporarily suspended to facilitate the review process.

Crucially, titles are typically only removed if a significant change is required, such as an upgrade to an 18+ rating.

The publisher, 2P Games, acknowledged the situation on social media, stating that they are "working hard to resume sales of the game as soon as possible." The company emphasized that players who have already purchased the game will continue to have full access during the review. The rating update process has so far only impacted Japanese and Hong Kong Nintendo Switch eShop listings.

The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty remains available on other regional eShops, as well as on Steam worldwide.

The incident draws parallels with other recent eShop removals, such as Balatro, which was briefly suspended due to concerns over gambling themes before being reinstated with an updated age classification. For fans of narrative-driven games, the case of The Hungry Lamb highlights both the popularity of mature visual novels and the ongoing challenge developers face in navigating international content guidelines.

As 2P Games continues to collaborate with local authorities, the community eagerly awaits the game's return to the Japanese eShop, reinforcing the global appeal and sensitivity surrounding age rating standards in the digital age.

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