While many games are currently being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,Final Fantasy 7 Remakeis moving forward. Square Enix likely had retail copies printed and already shipping by the time it realized a retail launch would be an incredible struggle. For its part, Square Enix is trying to get physical copies ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remaketo fans, even going so far as allowing Australian and European stores to sell the game early. However, Square Enix has now confirmed digital copies will receive no such consideration.
Square Enix just recently updated its Frequently Asked Questions section regardingFinal Fantasy 7 Remake. One listed question asks, “Some people have received their boxed copy,” … “why can’t we play the digital version now?” Square Enix offers a multi-faceted reply, confirming thatFinal Fantasy 7 Remake’s digital launchremains April 10 and won’t be changing.
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First,Square Enixmakes clear that “the bulk of our shipments to retailers around the globe are still scheduled to arrive in stores for our April 10 street date.” The bigger point for Square Enix is apparently a logistical one. Changing the digital release date would apparently lead to “logistical issues that could disrupt the digital launch for everyone.” That answer’s ambiguity likely isn’t going to be enough for those hoping for an early digital launch.
The problem forFinal Fantasyfans is that, due to physical copies of the game already being played, there’s already a lot of spoiler discussion and leaked gameplay online. It’s triggering both aFear of Missing Outresponse as well as fear of having the game spoiled prior to it even being delivered.
While frustrations may be justified to a degree, the situation does demand empathy. TheCOVID-19 pandemichas rearranged expectations. Several regions have shut down stores that sell physical games entirely. GettingFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeout as retailers can manage is a meaningful effort.
The vast majority of gamers buyingFinal Fantasy 7 Remakewill be acquiring it on April 10. As exciting as the prospect of getting it early might be, especially given the stressful state of things, it’d be worse for a lot of involved parties. As things stand, April 10 will still be a somewhat normal launch, with almost all buyers playing through the game at the same time. It might just require those waiting to dodge a lot of spoilers for a week, including from Square Enix’s ownFinal Fantasy 7 Remakelaunch trailer.
