Final Fantasy XIII on Schedule & Not Delayed

Actually arriving earlier than normal & On Schedule!

by Sutton Dagger

©2009 Steven Sutton

Final Fantasy XIII On Schedule - NOT Delayed

Still hate the wait though…

By now almost everyone has heard the terrible ‘news’ about the ‘delay’ of Final Fantasy XIII in North American and European regions. Of course the blame squarely lies with Microsoft, the tyrannical multinational corporation intent on destroying the entire gaming industry…yadda yadda…What utter fanboy rubbish.

The flamboyant theatrics of recent articles centred on the supposed FFXIII delay and Microsoft’s apparent role have rubbed off on me and frankly, I’m cranky. I’m not writing this article to refute another journalist’s claims or opinions but to merely clarify the misconception that FFXIII’s release in 2010 (in NA and EU) is somehow due to Microsoft.

I understand the frustration, as I am hopelessly devoted to the Final Fantasy franchise and the thought of waiting until at least April 2010 for the newest installment is disheartening, though somewhat expected. In fact, even though I write for an Xbox 360 focused website, I will be purchasing FFXIII on the PS3.

This isn’t because I prefer one system to the other or think that one version will be better, but because my FF collection mainly consists of Playstation games and my idiosyncrasies ensure that subsequent titles will remain on PS platforms.

Unfortunately whilst browsing gaming news site N4G, it became apparent that misinformation and unfounded accusations had spread about this so-called ‘delay’, which I feel must be clarified. The fact is, there has always been a sizeable gap between the Japanese and North American (and to a larger extent European) releases of Final Fantasy titles.

So looking at the most recent Final Fantasy games (excluding FFXI due to its MMO status), it becomes apparent that the translation process as well as the change of region (NTSC to PAL) requires a hefty amount of time.

‘Actual’ Final Fantasy Release dates last 3 iterations.

(Note: Dates are in Australian format day/month/year).

• Final Fantasy X:

5 months difference between Japan and North American release, 5 months difference between North American and European/PAL release, 10 months between Japan and European/PAL releases.

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Japan: 19/07/2001

North America: 20/12/2001

European/PAL: 29/05/2002

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• Final Fantasy X-2:

8 months difference between Japan and North American release, 3 months difference between North American and European/PAL release, 11 months between Japan and European/PAL releases.

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Japan: 13/03/2003

North America: 18/11/2003

European/PAL: 20/02/2004

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• Final Fantasy XII:

7 1/2 months difference between Japan and North American release, 4 months difference between North American and European/PAL release, 11 months between Japan and European/PAL releases.

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Japan: 16/03/2006

North America: 31/10/2006

European/PAL: 23/02/2007

So with this localisation process in mind, Final Fantasy XIII’s suspected release periods would be in line with previous iterations, or would they? It is more than likely that the Japanese release date will fall into the holiday period October/November, with Dragon Quest 9’s release in March ensuring healthy financial intake until then.

Square Enix president Yoichi Wada’s comments reported via Guardian, point to a NA and EU release sometime in “the business year from April 2010 or later”. Though a vague statement with obvious room to move, back at E3 2008, 1UP had an interesting interview with Yoshinori Kitase (producer of FFXIII) where Mr. Kitase explained that the release delay between regions would be decreased for Final Fantasy XIII

“Until now, the Japanese versions of Final Fantasy would release in Japan, and then six months later, the North American version would be released, and then another three to six months later, the European versions would ship — so there was usually a gap of almost a year by the time every territory got their version of the latest Final Fantasy. That’s why we’d include new features or elements. But with FFXIII, we’re aiming to decrease that gap and lessen the window, so there are no particular additions planned for the U.S. version”.

Another interesting point of significance in this 1UP article is the information that the 360 port is being handled by a separate team, meaning translation/localisation and porting can occur simultaneously with no delay. Given the fact that Final Fantasy XIII is being developed using Square Enix’s ‘Crystal Tools’ technology (a multi platform engine) the porting process will be handled relatively easily.

Given the above information, a 6 month release window (which appears likely) between the Japanese and North American/European releases is certainly not a delay.  In fact, I would say the time frame is more than acceptable (especially for the EU and Aus gamers who typically have to wait a year).

©2009 Steven Sutton

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