Operation Backlog Completion 2025
Aug 152016
 

Today, Square Enix made the rumors official. Final Fantasy XV has been delayed to November 29. Tabata explained why in a special video, which has subtitles available.

To summarize, they finished Final Fantasy XV the other day. This is the version that would have been released on September 30. However, to bring it up to its full quality, it would have required a day one patch.

Since not everyone plays with an Internet connection, they decided to delay the game so everyone can have that content without a patch. It will also give Square Enix time to further improve the quality, and Tabata feels they would have regretted releasing the current version on September 30.

Many fans are understandably disappointed about the delay, but let’s set aside the negativity and look at the bright side and benefits.

Better Quality

Final-Fantasy-XV-coverThe main purpose of the delay is to make Final Fantasy XV even better. That’s a good thing! We want the best game possible. Remember, The Witcher 3 was delayed, too. It doesn’t always mean doom and gloom.

No Day One Patch

Today, most developers seem to assume all players have a solid Internet connection for their consoles. Even many games that don’t require you to be online to play have substantial patches and updates, including day one patches.

Tabata knows there are still players out there who don’t have reliable Internet access. Final Fantasy XV might still receive other downloadable content, but the main game at the time of its launch will be the same great experience for everyone.

Your Schedule is Free for Steins;Gate 0 (and Others)

Final Fantasy XV was possibly the biggest game set for September, but it wasn’t the only one. Dragon Quest VII comes out on September 16, Steins;Gate 0 appears to have a September 27 release date, and Yo-Kai Watch 2 shared its September 30 date.

Not to mention, if you live in Japan or import games, Persona 5 will be out on September 15.

October brings even more potential competition (if not in sales, at least for players’ time), including World of Final Fantasy on October 25. Now you’ll be able to settle down and enjoy your long RPGs (and epic visual novel, Steins;Gate 0) without trying to manage Final Fantasy XV at the same time.

With a November 29 release date, it’s still competing with Pokémon Sun and Moon (November 18) and possibly Kingdom Hearts 2.8 (sometime in December), but right now it looks less crowded.

And finally…

Square Enix Fulfills Its Accidental Prophecy

If there’s one thing that makes this delay feel worse than other delays, it’s that Square Enix held a massive event to reveal Final Fantasy XV’s release date. Other cool information was announced at Uncovered, as well, but the release date was the major focus, with hype and fanfare and…

Final-Fantasy-XV-prophetic-release-date

…and a joke that now feels prophetic.

When Square Enix announced it, the counter stopped on November 30 and lingered for a second before switching to the then-true release date of September 30.

It’s surreal now to watch that moment, even if November 29 is one day earlier.

But a Little Disappointment is Fine

Silliness aside, it’s disappointing to know we have to wait an additional two months to play Final Fantasy XV. Nevertheless, it is what it is. We can’t change it. All we can do is try to see the bright side.

Tomorrow, Square Enix will release a 30-minute gameplay video based on the current version of the game, the one that would have launched in need of the patch. Final Fantasy XV will also be playable at Gamescom.

Update: The video is 53 minutes long, and it’s available now. Be warned, it contains spoilers.

What are your feelings on the delay? Do you think it’s worth it to avoid the day one patch? Will you fill the time with other major releases? Let me know in the comments.

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