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No FFXIII in US/Europe until 2010 News

Xbox 360 PlayStation 3 News by Tom Bramwell

16 January, 2009

Square Enix president Yoichi Wada has told Reuters that Final Fantasy XIII will not be released outside Japan until April 2010 or later.

However, the PlayStation 3 version of FFXIII is still set for release this year in Japan.

The Reuters wire copy, which showed up on The Guardian's site yesterday, doesn't quote Wada on FFXIII's release date but does attribute the guidance directly to him.

Square Enix has previously said that development of the Xbox 360 version of FFXIII - announced at E3 2008 - will not begin until the PS3 version is completed.

Given Wada's comments, there will doubtless be renewed speculation as to whether Square Enix has committed to launching the two versions side by side in Europe rather than giving the completed Sony SKU a headstart on its rival.

FFXIII was originally unveiled at E3 all the way back in 2006, and returns to the Active Time Battle system, although no doubt with lessons learned from the excellent FFXII on PS2.

We've contacted Square Enix in Europe to see what else is stewing.

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Comments: 1-40 of 40

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Aretak
16/01/09 @ 08:43
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Never in doubt.
Buztafen
16/01/09 @ 08:44
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How hard is it to translate a game into english....i'll do it myself, wheres the bloody script!!!
Edited 1 times, most recently on 16/01/09 @ 08:44
OnlyMe
16/01/09 @ 08:45
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Hmmm, english subtitles? I don't expect it to, but one can always dream.
Kryon
16/01/09 @ 08:45
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who cares? 12 was utter shit so I'm not too bothrerd tbh...
Dave52
16/01/09 @ 08:51
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It would be a shame if they're holding back the PS3 Version just to do a simultaneous release with the XBox...
Les
16/01/09 @ 08:53
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Does anyone still care for this game? Used to be a FF fan (FF VII actually got me into console gaming) but the extremely boring FF XII (first SP FF I didn't finish since FF VII) together with Atlus/Nippon Ichi's RPGs opened my eyes.
menage
16/01/09 @ 08:53
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The way this is going it can only disappoint.

I loved some of the FF series (XI, VI, VII and XI), but just as well thought VIII, X and XII were crap. This looks like the latter ones.
Edited 1 times, most recently on 16/01/09 @ 08:54
lambtron
16/01/09 @ 09:09
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Oi VIII was good ;)
andywilkie35
16/01/09 @ 09:15
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I thought VIII and IX were brilliant, easily two of my favourite games

Interesting that they've gone back to the ATB system...
michaelius
16/01/09 @ 09:18
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Big thanks to MS for this.
Cid
16/01/09 @ 09:21
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Expected, but a big "booooo" from me nonetheless.
Steroyd
16/01/09 @ 09:22
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Chandler Bing: I K.N.E.W. I.T
Widge
16/01/09 @ 09:28
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I'm looking forward to all 3 FF games, be nice to hear some more about the other 2 on top of this one.
rotmm
16/01/09 @ 09:35
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@michaelius, "Big thanks to MS for this."

For what? The "delay" with it coming out in other countries?

I get the feeling that MS is going to become the whipping boy here, but only by those people who have never played a Final Fantasy game before, and are also likely to not actually want to play FF13 either.

I assume you fall into that particular grouping.

If you didn't, you'd know that FF games are always released in Japan first, with it taking at least 6 months for a US version to show up. And Europe? Well, historically we've always watied somewhere between 12-24 months for a version to be released here.

So if it arrives anytime before 2 years after the Japan release, then we can say that the 360 version caused no delay. And if we in Europe get it in a similar timeframe as the US, then we can credit Microsoft for aiding this process in line with their usual policy of (as near as dammit) concurrent US and EU releases. Something we all know Sony will never push for.
Edited 1 times, most recently on 16/01/09 @ 09:35
Mentalist(air)
16/01/09 @ 09:44
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Well, historically we've always watied somewhere between 12-24 months for a version to be released here.

... not to mention FF 1 through 6 were never released at all on their original formats. The US will have an Xbox 360 version 6 months or a year before europe gets either, mark my words.

Steroyd
16/01/09 @ 09:54
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If you didn't, you'd know that FF games are always released in Japan first, with it taking at least 6 months for a US version to show up. And Europe? Well, historically we've always watied somewhere between 12-24 months for a version to be released here.

Yeah "historically" but I think Squaresoft actually improved their localisation time compared to PS1 for example, and when Sony announced the Blu-ray drive in the PS3 I was genuinely hoping that this would open the door for companies like SE to have all languages on the disc for a WW release like you know... every other frikken dev has done... oh how wrong was I? :_:

And if we in Europe get it in a similar timeframe as the US, then we can credit Microsoft for aiding this process in line with their usual policy of (as near as dammit) concurrent US and EU releases. Something we all know Sony will never push for.

But what if the US feels a "delay" to have this simultaneous Europe/US release surely that's a hollow victory?
dominalien
16/01/09 @ 10:02
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Next thing we know, they'll announce it's X360 exclusive in US/EU, and then they'll throw in some exclusive DLC just in case we didn't get the point before.

I'm a bit bitter. Sorry.
Lexx87
16/01/09 @ 10:08
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FFXII was awesome in my opinion, I just didn't have the time to do it justice!
menage
16/01/09 @ 10:15
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@Mentalist

Last Remnant says otherwise.

I don't know why the delay between JP and the rest of the world. But if I was SE I would want to recoup that investment as fast as possible.
Dizzy
16/01/09 @ 10:15
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>I'm a bit bitter. Sorry.

Get out more. It is only a game.
farticusmaximus
16/01/09 @ 10:25
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As long as it's a good FF game then I don't mind waiting. Rather have a classic than something rushed. :)
Widge
16/01/09 @ 10:28
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I think we're all well versed in waiting for an FF game after waiting for XII!

As long as it comes out eh, not like there won't be other stuff to dig into between now and then. Star Ocean for 360 bods, White Knights for PS3 guys.
Hunam
16/01/09 @ 10:31
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Year ruined.
sneetch
16/01/09 @ 10:32
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@dominalien
Next thing we know, they'll announce it's X360 exclusive in US/EU, and then they'll throw in some exclusive DLC just in case we didn't get the point before.

I'm a bit bitter. Sorry.


Bitter? Or crazy? Tough call. ;)

They won't do that, you'd have to drown Squeenix in money before they'd drop their chance to sell to the millions of PS3 owners in Europe and the US. Not to mention the damage it would do to their relationship with Sony.

@Dave52
It would be a shame if they're holding back the PS3 Version just to do a simultaneous release with the XBox...

... and there's that renewed speculation Tom talked about. They've already stated they won't, there is nothing to indicate that they've changed their minds apart from paranoia.

@fanboy_twist
"How hard is it to translate a game into english....i'll do it myself, wheres the bloody script!!! "

It's always been this kind of artifical delay. The Jap fans get it a year earlier than everyone so they are happy. In reality there's no reason why it should take more than a month or two to do the translation.


There's no reason why the translation and voice-work cannot be done before it's launched in Japan. I would imagine the games script is well along if not finished already.

Well, no reason except the cost that is. They may be relying on the money from Japanese sales to finance the localisation and marketing for other regions.

Edit: my Engleeesh, she is not so good.
Edited 1 times, most recently on 16/01/09 @ 10:37
Les
16/01/09 @ 10:36
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"They've already stated they won't, there is nothing to indicate that they've changed their minds apart from paranoia."

Not just buying PR talk is considered paranoia these days?! What happened to common sense? ;)
sneetch
16/01/09 @ 10:46
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@Les
"They've already stated they won't, there is nothing to indicate that they've changed their minds apart from paranoia."

Not just buying PR talk is considered paranoia these days?! What happened to common sense? ;)


Automatically assuming anyone from a company is lying just because they're from a company is now common sense?

Man, I'm glad I don't live in your world. ;)

That said, I wouldn't be hugely surprised if it was a simultaneous launch. Damn your common sense, it's infectious.
Les
16/01/09 @ 10:51
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"Automatically assuming anyone from a company is lying just because they're from a company is now common sense? "

I didn't say anyone from a company, did I? That would indeed be paranoid. I was referring to the marketing people (hence the PR talk reference). ;)
autogunner
16/01/09 @ 10:52
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i blame microsoft and the probable simultaneous release clause they made in the deal with square enix.
farticusmaximus
16/01/09 @ 11:05
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"i blame microsoft and the probable simultaneous release clause they made in the deal with square enix."

I blame something completely unsubstantiated too!

Goddamn corporations, being all .... corporationey!
actionfitz
16/01/09 @ 11:31
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"we've always watied somewhere between 12-24 months for a version to be released here."

gotta love that japan-game-company snobbery.
gotta wonder how it seems to them that good business sense means:
3 very spaced out launches for the same game requiring big marketing pushes each time

- approximately same the cost of doing simultaneous localisations you think?
/big fail.

all that a world wide launch would require would be a couple months and a few extra ££ $$ ¥¥ etc.
launch in europe in 2010 then, or 2011 (wouldnt be surprised)... but be prepared to do so with a game 1 - 2 years older than the competition releasing that same day.
HiddenAway
16/01/09 @ 11:52
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I told you FF13 shouldn't have been the top RPG for 2009. It won't be out here in time!
mrmonkey1980
16/01/09 @ 11:55
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Well that will give me time to be able to stomach one of these games again
Gaol
16/01/09 @ 13:33
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I thought it was pretty much a given that the PS3 and 360 releases would be simultaneous in the West, Microsoft announced this when they announced the game on their platform.

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/final-...

Obviously this means a delay for PS3 owners which is a PITA.
ronuds
16/01/09 @ 16:43
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@ Les
"Does anyone still care for this game? Used to be a FF fan (FF VII actually got me into console gaming) but the extremely boring FF XII (first SP FF I didn't finish since FF VII) together with Atlus/Nippon Ichi's RPGs opened my eyes."

I can assure you that I never did care about this game because JRPG's aren't my cup of tea. I also assure you that I'm likely in the minority. People like sequels...makes them feel safe. I'd imagine you're not an FF fan anymore because they don't make one for the Wii?
Scimarad
16/01/09 @ 17:33
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This is what normally happens with Final Fantasy games. They always take bloody ages to come out but they are generally well worth the wait. When they start chucking 'em out in a year or two, that's when I'll start to worry.

Did anyone really expect it to come out this year? If they did they can't be a long term fan:)
Edited 1 times, most recently on 16/01/09 @ 17:35
saku_luk
17/01/09 @ 03:38
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Was waiting for this game, but not anymore..... SE you are a bunch of loosers, srsly US/EU for 2010? are you stupid? LOL
firefly
17/01/09 @ 15:40
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In all fairness at least the PS3 is region free for games. If my Japanese was a lot better I would opt to import the game, as it is though I still have the option of purchasing the US version with little trouble and playing that rather than waiting for the European release. As for the translation delay, yes it sucks but it's nothing new - hopefully though this time we'll have the option for the Japanese audio.
Skywise
19/01/09 @ 23:08
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@Mentalist Air: quote ".. not to mention FF 1 through 6 were never released at all on their original formats.". I don't know about the others, but I saw the euro version of FF 6 (called FF 3 here to add some confusion) for about 200 guilder (about 90 euro) back in the SNES days.

So far I've played FF 7, 9 and 12 and only liked 7. The graphics of FF continue to amaze me, but I'd rather have some Grandia 4 or Skies of Arcadia 2 or a PS3/360 Persona game :D
Edited 1 times, most recently on 19/01/09 @ 23:09
Penguins20
19/01/09 @ 23:16
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Oh dear...back to ATB. I enjoyed the battle system of FFXII the most of the recent offerings, so it seems a shame to lose it. If they can combine it with turn based battling in a similar way to Eternal Sonata it could still be a winner though, I guess. I know a lot of people didn't appreciate changes made in XII, but I think you get out what you put in to that game, rather than just the story elements of previous games. Gamplay and world setting were great, even if the lack of familiarity felt slightly odd. I hope they don't jettison all of it! If they can re-introduce a bit more (and more interesting) storyline, then it should be good...just cut down on the Emo please, Square. (Lightning looks disturbingly moody...presumably she's meant to be "deep")
islate
06/01/10 @ 14:02
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Square Enix has committed to launching the ffxiii walkthrough side by side in Europe. Next thing we know, they'll announce it's X360 exclusive in US/EU.

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