No FFXIII in US/Europe until 2010

By Tom Bramwell Published 16 January, 2009

But Japanese PS3 version out this year.

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.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (37) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Aretak #1 3 years ago

    Never in doubt.

  • Buztafen #2 3 years ago

    How hard is it to translate a game into english....i'll do it myself, wheres the bloody script!!!
    Edited by 1 at 16/01/09 @ 08:44

  • OnlyMe #3 3 years ago

    Hmmm, english subtitles? I don't expect it to, but one can always dream.

  • Kryon #4 3 years ago

    who cares? 12 was utter shit so I'm not too bothrerd tbh...

  • Dave52 #5 3 years ago

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

  • Les #6 3 years ago

    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 #7 3 years ago

    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 by 1 at 16/01/09 @ 08:54

  • lambtron #8 3 years ago

    Oi VIII was good ;)

  • andywilkie35 #9 3 years ago

    I thought VIII and IX were brilliant, easily two of my favourite games

    Interesting that they've gone back to the ATB system...

  • michaelius #10 3 years ago

    Big thanks to MS for this.

  • Cid #11 3 years ago

    Expected, but a big "booooo" from me nonetheless.

  • Steroyd #12 3 years ago

    Chandler Bing: I K.N.E.W. I.T

  • Widge #13 3 years ago

    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 #14 3 years ago

    @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 by 1 at 16/01/09 @ 09:35

  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #15 3 years ago

    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 3 years ago

    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 #17 3 years ago

    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 #18 3 years ago

    FFXII was awesome in my opinion, I just didn't have the time to do it justice!

  • menage #19 3 years ago

    @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 #20 3 years ago

    >I'm a bit bitter. Sorry.

    Get out more. It is only a game.

  • Widge #21 3 years ago

    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 #22 3 years ago

    Year ruined.

  • sneetch #23 3 years ago

    @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 by 1 at 16/01/09 @ 10:37

  • Les #24 3 years ago

    "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 #25 3 years ago

    @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 #26 3 years ago

    "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 #27 3 years ago

    i blame microsoft and the probable simultaneous release clause they made in the deal with square enix.

  • actionfitz #28 3 years ago

    "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 #29 3 years ago

    I told you FF13 shouldn't have been the top RPG for 2009. It won't be out here in time!

  • mrmonkey1980 #30 3 years ago

    Well that will give me time to be able to stomach one of these games again

  • Gaol #31 3 years ago

    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.

    [link url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/final- fantasy-xiii-coming-to-xbox-360/
    ]http://ww w.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/final-...[/link]

    Obviously this means a delay for PS3 owners which is a PITA.

  • ronuds #32 3 years ago

    @ 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 #33 3 years ago

    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 by 1 at 16/01/09 @ 17:35

  • saku_luk #34 3 years ago

    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 #35 3 years ago

    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 #36 3 years ago

    @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 by 1 at 19/01/09 @ 23:09

  • Penguins20 #37 3 years ago

    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";)