[P4U] Persona 4: Arena - Homeport 26/07/2012(Japan) / 07/08/2012(USA) / EU: 10/05/2013 [NEWS & FACTS ONLY!!!]

Friends of ATLUS,

The last week brought with it news that Persona 4 Arena would effectively become the first PlayStation 3 system game to be region-locked. We can today confirm that this is true; the game will be region-locked in all its respective territories of release.

As we’ve ascertained from your impassioned responses online, this is obviously a tremendous frustration for many fans. We understand the various perspectives on the matter. Those who fear this is a slippery slope, the beginning of a dangerous and unnecessary precedent. Those who import foreign hardware for a multitude of reasons and expect to be unlimited in their software selection. Those who aren’t necessarily affected by this issue, but who are principally opposed to it. We are not blind to these concerns and we pledge to grow ever more informed as to exactly what our fans want. It should be added that we were completely unprepared for the force with which the community communicated their disapproval.

There are, however, a few points to clarify. This is NOT the beginning of a new ATLUS policy, nor do we view it as a precedent or a slippery slope. If anything, your determination and dedication to what you believe in has certainly stood in the face of that. This is an isolated case, a situation precipitated by a number of factors, some of which are simply out of our North American hands. Moreover, and perhaps there is no way to convince our fans of this considering the magnitude of the betrayal many are feeling, but we are not doing this out of malice or a desire to control. Allow us to explain.

Persona 4 Arena achieves a number of triumphs for our North American publishing house. For years, our fans have asked us to include dual language audio in our games. Finally, with P4 Arena, we were able to deliver on that desire and include the exact same content as the Japanese release for our North American fans. Moreover, our North American community is often forced to wait months for a localized release (a plight our friends across the Atlantic can relate to). Again, with P4 Arena, we’re able to release within two weeks of Japan. We pushed hard for these things. We know our fans want them–well really, EXPECT them–and we did our best to get as much for our release as possible.

The unforeseen consequence in all of this was that we had a version of our biggest game of the year releasing within a couple weeks in two territories, both identical in content, but at radically different price points. Importing, as great as it is for gamers who otherwise can’t get access to a title, can also cannibalize the performance of a title in one territory to the benefit of another. While we’re all one big ATLUS family, the reality is that the dramatic difference between the Yen and the Dollar makes for a dramatic difference in price. So the decision was made, perhaps at the expense of some of our fans, clearly at the frustration of many, to region-lock Persona 4 Arena.

For many of you, there is no explanation that resonates, no justification that atones for this fact. We can only endeavor to earn back your confidence and, to learn from your arguments. We absolutely recognize the fear that this is the beginning of a trend. We in no way view it as such. Please also keep in mind that the game’s excellent online multiplayer is global, a fact that is in no way affected by the region-lock. Players can compete against fighters from all territories.

A tremendous team of talented developers and artists poured their blood, sweat, and tears into Persona 4 Arena, and every reaction we’ve ever received to the game has shown that those efforts are readily apparent. The decision to region-lock P4 Arena was a business one, one that has very clearly affected how many perceive the project, but we ask you to please not overlook the exceptional efforts of the people behind the game and to work with us through constructive dialogue.

Thank you.

"Persona Europe (Zen United - EU Publisher) Facebook am 8.8.2012" schrieb:

We've not formally announced a release date for Persona 4 Arena for Europe yet. When the release date announcement is made, it will appear here first and on all the FGC sites after we contact them directly. We understand it's a frustrating wait for those of you looking forward to it the most - and we appreciate everyone's patience. We are working to bring P4A to Europe as soon as is humanly possible...

"PQube(UK Publisher) Twitter am 7.8.2012" schrieb:

@Kudryavki: any news on Persona 4 Arena's release date?
@PQubeGames: Not yet. As soon as we do, we will make an announcement #P4A

emjay am Samstag, 4. August 2012, 22:50 schrieb:

lol, wird eh sicher nochmal verschoben. is ja nochimmer nicht "offiziell" das datum. und man kennt ja zens verschiebungspolitik.

Good Morning Everyone,
With so much speculation going around with regards to the release date and status of the EU version, we thought it best to address this on here.

There are currently a number of issues surrounding development and subsequent release of Persona 4 Arena in Europe. As we are not directly involved in the development process for P4A, these are elements which are beyond our control.

We are however, doing everything we can to help resolve this, so that we can get the game into stores and, crucially, into your hands as quickly as possible.

We do understand your frustration and a need for a concrete release date, however, until we can ascertain exactly what that release period will be we are hesitant to do so. We would rather have all the facts about release to hand, and all issues be resolved, before making such an announcement.

Please be assured that as soon as WE know what the release date will be, YOU will be the first to know.

Any dates you see online are purely speculation. The first announcement of a release date will happen on the Persona Europe FB page and the Persona.4 FB page. We will then notify our contacts in the main Fighting Game Communities around Europe. If you have not seen a confirmed release date on this page, then it is best taken as a rumour.

Please also be aware, any events that are taking place around Europe will not disrupt the process of releasing them game. Given that these issues have arisen, the team here are making a concerted effort to support the community by having payable builds at your events while you await release. I know many of you are eager to play P4A, and we will facilitate that as best we can in the interim.

Josh and Paul are in London today for Astral Heat in Gamerbase and will be more than happy to answer your questions as best they can.

Likewise, I (Geraint - some of you here know me I’m sure!) will be at i46 in Telford on Friday and Saturday, and will be happy to talk, as always - and hopefully enjoy a few games together.

As ever, your patience and understanding is appreciated.

One of the guys from Zen United was in the stream chat for the Astral heat event going on in London and people were asking questions about the release date (obviously lol) and he said that they haven't been sent an EU build. When they do finally get the build it still has to be submitted to Sony and Microsoft for approval and printing, accord to the guy from Zen they wont be adding other EU languages in order to speed up the release. So were looking at about a month maybe more before the game is released in PAL regions.

Persona Europe schrieb:

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.


I HATE YOU! I REALLY, REALLY HATE YOU!
That’s okay, we still love you.

PERSONA 4 ARENA UPDATE!
As promised here's an update on our current progress with Persona 4 Arena.

We have now taken delivery of the PS3 EU version of Persona 4 Arena, and we are expecting the Xbox version soon.

Once we have both, the next
step will be to submit P4A to Sony and Microsoft. At this stage, we'll
be able to estimate a likely release window for you guys - and once it's
been approved by both platform holders, we'll be able to give you a
realistic street date.

We will, of course, let you know what
stage we are in this process so you can have a clearer idea of when the
release date is likely to be.

Again, thank you for your patience...

I know you are all very keen for an update, but currently it's a case of 'no further news at his time'. We are still waiting to go into submission with the Xbox 360 build.

"Arc System Works (Deutsch)" schrieb:

Mal eine erfreuliche Neuigkeit für euch:

Wir haben nun den Xbox 360 Build übermittelt.

Zwar muss nun noch gewartet werden, bis dieser abgenommen wurde, aber wir können ziemlich sicher sagen, dass ein Release im Mai realistisch ist.

Sobald ein ganz genauer Termin steht, erfahrt ihr es sofort hier.

So, we have a release date - and that date is May 10th.
There will also be a pre-order bonus available from all retailers.

Just thought you'd like to know!

This is not the end though... there will be MORE news.
And that news will be GOOD.

Unless it's news about a delay... er... in which case, that news would be bad.

But we're not expecting that kind of news so... you know... expect the next bit of news you get to be the GOOD kind.

Little Persona Europe joke for you there on a Monday...

*cough*