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[UPDATE] Japanese Game Delays, Cancellations Continue
[Update] Capcom has confirmed that the Marvel vs. Capcom 3 DLC slated to release today will not be delayed outside of Japan.
[Original Story] Following Square Enix's announcement that Final Fantasy XIV/XI severs have temporarily shut down to conserve power, and Konami following suit with Metal Gear Online, more consequences of Friday’s disaster are coming to light. As we’ve stressed previously, the ramifications on our entertainment industry are secondary to much larger and important battles Japan is currently facing.
- Publisher/Developer Irem has canceled Disaster Report 4 (pictured above), opting to not cite a specific reason. Considering the game’s premise focuses on escaping a city ruined by an earthquake, the move is most likely out of respect. The game was slated to release this spring in Japan, but had not been announced for North America.
- Sega announced that Yakuza: Of the End, slated for a March 17 release in Japan, has been delayed until further notice. Although a reason hasn’t been given, many are speculation it’s due to the apocalyptic theme and imagery, despite featuring a fantastical zombie-themed premise.
- Additionally, Sony has pushed back the March 17 release of MotorStorm: Apocalypse to an undisclosed date. As far as we can tell, the date change is exclusive to Japan.
- Marvel vs. Capcom 3’s Jill and Shuma-Gorath DLC has been delayed, too. Originally scheduled to release on March 15, we’re not sure if the delay is worldwide or localized to Japan. We’ve contacted Capcom and will provide more information when it is available.
- Microsoft has delayed its “Kinect Experience Caravan Car Event” in Japan, planned to kick off in Hiroshima and make stops in Chiba, Kyoto, and Kobe. Dragon Age: Origins--Awakening was also slated to debut on March 17, and has been delayed due to “distribution issues.”
- A slew of other national events have been canceled, including Monster Hunter Festa, several game demo gatherings, and more.
In slightly more uplifting news, many game developers are stepping up and making sizable donations to aid outlets. Tecmo Koei has donated 10 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross, and Sega Sammy stepped up with 200 million yen. Nintendo added 300 million yen to the pot, Namco Bandai 100 million yen, and Sony 300 million yen.
If you’d like to make a donation of your own, a simple way for more tech-savvy readers is to text REDCROSS to 90999. This will tack a $10 donation onto your next phone bill.
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