With the COVID-19 outbreak shaking up daily lives and business operations across the world, there is an increased possibility that games may be delayed. In the case of Final Fantasy VII Remake, Square Enix says the game is still on track for April, but those looking to get hold of a physical copy may have a difficult time doing so.
In an update on the release of the game, today Square Enix said that “due to the extraordinary circumstances the world is facing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to update you on how this will impact the forthcoming release of Final Fantasy VII Remake”. The statement goes on to say that “the worldwide release on April 10 will go ahead”, but due to “unforeseeable changes in the distribution and retail landscape which varies across countries, it is increasingly likely that some of you will not get hold of your copy of the game on the release date”.
Release update information. #FF7R pic.twitter.com/oZ6XXBX5hR
— FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (@finalfantasyvii) March 18, 2020
Those who pre-ordered or plan on buying the game digitally won't be affected, but those who pre-ordered a physical copy at retail or straight through Square Enix may end up being impacted. We don't know the full extent of the physical copy shortage at this stage but Square Enix is “monitoring the situation on a daily basis”.
Another update is due to be released on Friday March 20th, which will hopefully contain more details on how the physical launch will be impacted.
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KitGuru Says: I've been fully digital with my games for a long time now, but I do feel for those that like to collect and maintain a physical games collection. On the plus side, development has not been set back, although it will be interesting to see the impact this has on other studios as the year goes on.