Square Enix have stated they will not release Final Fantasy VII Remake early digitally, despite stating they would do so physically in Europe.
We previously reported how Square Enix stated they would launch the game “much earlier” in Europe and Australia due to the coronavirus pandemic. There have also been unconfirmed reports of the game breaking street date in other regions.
In the joint statement of Producer Yoshinori Kitase, and Director Tetsuya Nomura implored fans not to spoil the game for those who have not gotten their hands on it early. However, Square Enix have now announced they will not be doing so with the game’s digital release.
A reply to an inquiry on the Square Enix Support Center website states they cannot do so, as it “could lead to logistical issues that could disrupt the digital launch for everyone.”
“I noticed that some people have received their boxed copy of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, why can’t we play the digital version now?”
“While we understand the frustration of seeing the game for sale in some locations, the bulk of our shipments to retailers around the globe are still scheduled to arrive in stores for our April 10 street date. Also, changing the digital release date at this point-in-time could lead to logistical issues that could disrupt the digital launch for everyone. Therefore, we will be adhering to an April 10 digital release date. Thank you for your understanding.”
On the one hand, some areas of the world have issued strict lockdown laws to combat the coronavirus pandemic, encouraging or demanding people to stay inside for all but essential travel.
Then again, the game’s official release is in four days, and the necessary internal paperwork and discussions with Sony may take longer than those four days.
You can find the full rundown of the game (via PlayStation) below.
The world has fallen under the control of the Shinra Electric Power Company, a shadowy corporation controlling the planet’s very life force as mako energy.
In the sprawling city of Midgar, an anti-Shinra organization calling themselves Avalanche have stepped up their resistance. Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit now turned mercenary, lends his aid to the group, unaware of the epic consequences that await him.
A spectacular re-imagining of one of the most visionary games ever, the first game in this project will be set in the eclectic city of Midgar and presents a fully standalone gaming experience.
In case you missed it, you can find the final trailer here, developer diaries here [1, 2]. and more information about the game here [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
Final Fantasy VII Remake launches April 10th on PlayStation 4, and “much earlier” in Europe and Australia. The console exclusivity ends April 4th, 2021. In case you missed it, you can find our hands-on preview here.
