While the Japanese and US releases of Persona 4 Arena have already been released to market, and at least in part due to their near simultaneous release and dual-dub has left the game region locked… European and other PAL region Persona fans have been waiting for Zen-United to publish the game to their regions.
Through the Persona Europe website HERE, the company have published an FAQ about the release, and while some of the news is disappointing, the plans for ‘something nice’ to come out of the wait sounds tempting.
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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.
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But the Japanese and US versions are finished!
This is correct – but an EU version still needs to be developed and tested.
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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.
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What about other languages?
We are not localising into each region’s language – specifically to bring about a faster release.
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Are the age ratings holding this up?
No, we have gone through the process for this – and all Age Rating submissions are complete.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I HATE YOU! I REALLY, REALLY HATE YOU!
That’s okay, we still love you.
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Given that I reside in Australia, look forward to my review of the game when Zen United release the title.
