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Update on P4A EU release
13 years ago
General
Statement taken from the Persona Europe Facebook wall:
"A quick update on where we are currently. We know many of you are concerned about the lack of new information – so we thought we’d gather everything up into one place for discussion, so nothing is missed. Below are the most frequently asked questions regarding the release which we'll answer as best we can.
What’s happening with P4A in Europe?
We are waiting for confirmation as to when the EU version will be complete. Once we take delivery of the EU build - we can project what the likely release date will be. It’s at this point we will update everyone.
Unfortunately, as we are not directly involved with the development of the game, we do not have any further information about its progress - or when the EU build will be complete. When we do have that information, it will be passed on to you.
But the Japanese and US versions are finished!
This is correct - but an EU version still needs to be developed and tested.
What needs to be changed?
For all EU games, there are a number of changes that need to be done to bring it in line with the regulations laid out by Sony and Microsoft in Europe. These regulations are to ensure the game will work correctly in each individual PAL territory, from individual EU countries to Australia and UK.
It is at this point in the process, that the game has been delayed.
What about other languages?
We are not localising into each region’s language – specifically to bring about a faster release.
Are the age ratings holding this up?
No, we have gone through the process for this – and all Age Rating submissions are complete.
What will happen when you get the EU version?
Once we have received the EU master – our job, as publisher, is to submit that build to Sony and Microsoft for final testing and approval. Once it has been approved, we can manufacture and package the game, and ship it for release.
Once this has happened, we will announce a specific day and date that this game will hit store shelves.
You’re delaying the game on purpose because you hate us / are posting on facebook / are attending events!
Unfortunately, these delays are beyond our control. As soon as the EU build is delivered we will publish as quickly as possible.
The events we attend have no influence on the release date. However, in light of the delay, we felt it would be nice to give you guys to get the chance to play as often as we can. While we can’t hit every major city in every European territory, we will do our best to make it available to you when the opportunity arises.
We understand it’s no substitute for having the game in your home of course, but it’s the least we can do given the circumstances.
But you’re already using the EU version at events!
The code that we use for events is the US build. Some members of the community have been kind enough to bring their own US/Japanese versions of the game, and some of our friends within the fighting game community in Europe have been kind enough to use their own debugs to let you guys play.
Is the game coming out this year?
We would very much like it to. Unfortunately, until we have the EU build in our hands, we cannot give you a clear picture of the specific release date - hence why we have not made a formal announcement. We are looking to clarify this point as soon as possible.
Will we get something nice because of the delay?
You will get something nice for the delay, yes. We understand everyone’s frustration surrounding this, so we are preparing something - and we’ll announce that once the new schedule for release is in place."
It's very nice to actually get some real explanation of this whole situation. So basically, the tl;dr version of the whole mess is:
Atlus region locked the game. Atlus is taking forever in making the EU build of the game. It's not the EU publisher's fault. Atlus is fucked up.
AH WELL. Another day here. At least we'll be getting something nice out of it to ease the pain, eh?
"A quick update on where we are currently. We know many of you are concerned about the lack of new information – so we thought we’d gather everything up into one place for discussion, so nothing is missed. Below are the most frequently asked questions regarding the release which we'll answer as best we can.
What’s happening with P4A in Europe?
We are waiting for confirmation as to when the EU version will be complete. Once we take delivery of the EU build - we can project what the likely release date will be. It’s at this point we will update everyone.
Unfortunately, as we are not directly involved with the development of the game, we do not have any further information about its progress - or when the EU build will be complete. When we do have that information, it will be passed on to you.
But the Japanese and US versions are finished!
This is correct - but an EU version still needs to be developed and tested.
What needs to be changed?
For all EU games, there are a number of changes that need to be done to bring it in line with the regulations laid out by Sony and Microsoft in Europe. These regulations are to ensure the game will work correctly in each individual PAL territory, from individual EU countries to Australia and UK.
It is at this point in the process, that the game has been delayed.
What about other languages?
We are not localising into each region’s language – specifically to bring about a faster release.
Are the age ratings holding this up?
No, we have gone through the process for this – and all Age Rating submissions are complete.
What will happen when you get the EU version?
Once we have received the EU master – our job, as publisher, is to submit that build to Sony and Microsoft for final testing and approval. Once it has been approved, we can manufacture and package the game, and ship it for release.
Once this has happened, we will announce a specific day and date that this game will hit store shelves.
You’re delaying the game on purpose because you hate us / are posting on facebook / are attending events!
Unfortunately, these delays are beyond our control. As soon as the EU build is delivered we will publish as quickly as possible.
The events we attend have no influence on the release date. However, in light of the delay, we felt it would be nice to give you guys to get the chance to play as often as we can. While we can’t hit every major city in every European territory, we will do our best to make it available to you when the opportunity arises.
We understand it’s no substitute for having the game in your home of course, but it’s the least we can do given the circumstances.
But you’re already using the EU version at events!
The code that we use for events is the US build. Some members of the community have been kind enough to bring their own US/Japanese versions of the game, and some of our friends within the fighting game community in Europe have been kind enough to use their own debugs to let you guys play.
Is the game coming out this year?
We would very much like it to. Unfortunately, until we have the EU build in our hands, we cannot give you a clear picture of the specific release date - hence why we have not made a formal announcement. We are looking to clarify this point as soon as possible.
Will we get something nice because of the delay?
You will get something nice for the delay, yes. We understand everyone’s frustration surrounding this, so we are preparing something - and we’ll announce that once the new schedule for release is in place."
It's very nice to actually get some real explanation of this whole situation. So basically, the tl;dr version of the whole mess is:
Atlus region locked the game. Atlus is taking forever in making the EU build of the game. It's not the EU publisher's fault. Atlus is fucked up.
AH WELL. Another day here. At least we'll be getting something nice out of it to ease the pain, eh?
gritou
~gritou
Hehe, don't lose hop, one day you'll have it (when every other big fighting game will be released)
hazardbarzard
~hazardbarzard
OP
Everyone knows this. We're all gonna get the chance to have the game. The difference is that all the hype and excitement building since last year will be pretty much dead. The online community will not be as robust because people from the US and Japan will have moved on the game. So many negative things comes out from long delays and wait, mostly lose of interest.
gritou
~gritou
I know, and that's always what sucks deeply in the waiting for a game, more so when the big challenger comes at the same time because of that wait.
hazardbarzard
~hazardbarzard
OP
What I don't get is why in this day and age does this sort of thing still need to happen? So Atlus doesn't have an EU branch. So what? Zen United acquired the rights for the game like a little bit after the game actual announcement, so Atlus knew there is gonna be an EU version coming. Why didn't they develop all three versions at the same time, like how every other game developer does these days? They keep saying they care and appreciate their fans worldwide, yet we don't see anything that proves that. They region lock the game for a petty reason, then they slack off on the EU build to the point were Zen United don't have any clue when they will get it and it might ultimately mess its supposed 2012, causing the publisher loses due to the delay. So it's a very bad situation for both Zen and the fans, and in the end it's Atlus to blame because from what we can tell, they don't give a damn about the PAL regions.
gritou
~gritou
I know, and even despite that, the sole idea of a region locked game is stupid to me... But yes, the only person bothered by that are the players, and ultimately when an editor is fucking with them well, the logical thing to happen is losing those potential clients. I know I stopped buying most Capcom game lately because either they are release with 6 months or more or aren't translated... Sometimes even both! The 80's are over guys, you can't afford that anymore on the videogame market!
Misharu
~misharu
I love Persona 4 Arena ^^ ; Sorry, I'm an American. It's so much~
