The video game industry, specifically the Japanese market, is feeling some of the ramifications of last Friday’s natural disaster that struck Japan. Before I go on with the list of delays and cancellations, we here at MonsterVine stress that these are only secondary problems compared to the hardships that Japan is currently battling to overcome. Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this tragic disaster, and hope for a speedy recovery for Japan.
Disaster Report 4, developed and published by Irem, has been canceled. Irem did not cite a specific reason for the cancellation. The game was due to come out in Spring of this year in Japan, but no announcement for a North American release was announced.
Yakuza: Of the End has been delayed until further notice according to an announcement made by Sega. The game was slated for a March 17 release in Japan.
Sony has pushed back the March 17 release of MotorStorm: Apocalypse to an undisclosed date. The delay looks to be for the Japan release only.
DLC for Marvel Vs Capcom has been delayed as well. The DLC includes Jill Valentine, and Shauna Goarth. The delay is only for the Japanese release.
Microsoft delayed their “Kinect Experience Caravan Car Event” in Japan. The event was planned to kick off in Hiroshima and make stops in Chiba, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Dragon Age Dragon Age: Origins–Awakening was scheduled to debut on March 17, but was delayed due to “distribution issue.”
Other national events have been canceled, including Monster Hunter Festa, several game demos, and more.
Developers are stepping and donating large amounts of money to relief outlets for Japan. Tecmo Koei has donated 10 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross, and Sega Sammy stepped up with 200 million yen. Nintendo added 300 million yen to the pot, Namco Bandai 100 million yen, and Sony 300 million yen.
