The good news is that the Final Fantasy VII Remake won’t be delayed. (Again.) But you might struggle to find it at retail due to supply chain issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic is having global ramifications on supply chains around the world. Mostly that means critical lifesaving equipment like N95 maks and ventilator valves, cleaning and hygiene products like toilet rolls and sanitiser, and an assortment of storecupboard food items. (And if you are stockpiling, please cut that crap out. Only take what you need, or you’ll be preventing someone else from getting what they need.)
Video game development, production, manufacturing and distribution are also impacted. That might not seem like the biggest priority in the midst of a global pandemic, but a little escapism is exactly what the world needs.
With so many big releases – Doom Eternal, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Resident Evil 3 Remake, and more – just around the corner, that will be making fans nervous. Games so close to release will likely not be delayed at this late stage and, while digital downloads will be unaffected, if you were planning on picking up a physical version – or worse, already pre-ordered one – then you might run into trouble.
Today, Square Enix has issued a statement to announce that the Final Fantasy VII Remake won’t be (further) delayed, but confirmed that retail version of the game might be impacted by supply chain issues.
“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.
Our priority is the wellbeing and safety of our fans and customers, taking into account regional government and World Health Organization advice.
The worldwide release of Final Fantasy VII Remake on April 10 will go ahead. However, with the 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.
We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and working with our partners, retailers and Square Enix teams across Europe and the Americas, to do everything we can to ensure as many of you as possible can play the game on April 10.
We want to keep you updated ahead of the release and intend to post again this Friday, March 20 with any further news. So please stay tuned to our official channels.
For any other questions regarding the release, please contact our Square Enix Store Customer Service teams or your relevant retailer for more information on availability in your region.”
So the Final Fantasy VII Remake will definitely be available on April 10, and digital downloads will be fine, but there might be difficulties fulfilling physical stock. Watch this space for further information as it unfolds.
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