MotorStorm Apocalypse delayed overseas out of respect for Japan disaster

Sony is delaying the debut of MotorStorm Apocalypse in the UK and Japan, citing sensitivity concerns over the very real earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of Japan last Friday. Already in stock in most stores, the company has issued instructions to shelve the title until Sony deems it appropriate to go forward with Evolution Studios' disaster-themed racer.

"We are shocked and saddened to see the impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and our thoughts are with all those affected, including our colleagues within the Sony family, living and working throughout Japan,” said Sony in a statement to the press, later explaining, “We are very conscious of the parallels between these events and the underlying theme in MotorStorm and are doing everything we can to be as sensitive as possible to the situation. Although the game itself is already in distribution, we are ceasing any further shipments and removing as much of the marketing materials as possible."

MotorStorm Apocalypse is the fourth entry in the MotorStorm racing series, and the first to use an urban city as its backdrop. Unfortunately, said urban city isdepicted as beingin the middle of numerous natural disasters, and players must dodge crumbling buildings, cracking roads and buckling bridges in their bid to outrace opponents. If you're stillfuzzy onwhy it's not a great business (nevermind ethical) decision to release a game like this in Japan right now, may we suggestcatching up on current events.

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Extending its support further, Sonywill also be donating $3.66 million dollarstowards relief efforts in Japan, as well as sending 30,000 radios and setting up a disaster relief fund.

MotorStorm Apocalypse is still on track for its April 12th North American release *knocks wood*.

Mar 15, 2011

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