Final Fantasy 7 Remake update for physical copies: "We cannot control the date the game may arrive"

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Update, March 27: The physical release for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake is going to be affected by global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, but at least Square Enix is keeping customers well informed.

The company posted a new update to the FF7 remake's official website that expands on the note it previously shared on Twitter.

"As you will be aware, many countries are limiting entry or closing their national and state borders and restricting the distribution and delivery of non-essential items," the update reads. "Understandably these restrictions are being implemented so that essential items can reach their destination as fast as possible.

"This does not mean that box copies of Final Fantasy 7 Remake will not be dispatched, it just means that we cannot control the date the game may arrive."

Square Enix also said it's "making arrangements" to ensure game orders placed directly through the Square Enix store are able to arrive by April 10. Meanwhile, if you were planning on getting a digital version via the PlayStation Store, you shouldn't have any problems - though your download might be a bit slower than usual.

Original story, March 18: The Final Fantasy 7 Remake release is technically not being delayed by the spread of coronavirus, but that doesn't mean you'll be able to get it on launch day. 

According to a tweet from the game's official Twitter account, "it is increasingly likely that some of you will not get hold of your copy of the game on the release date." Check out the entire Tweet in full below.

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The Final Fantasy 7 Remake is still releasing worldwide on April 10, but with storefronts closing down across the world and shelter in place orders spreading throughout cities, physical copies of the game may be difficult or impossible to get. While certain retailers like Game Mania in Germany are releasing titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Doom Eternal ahead of their March 20 release dates, there's been no report on if any other retailers worldwide will adopt such a policy for future releases.

As we previously reported, Amazon's new policy of prioritizing household and essential items has affected some people's Final Fantasy 7 remake pre-orders, with the affected taking to Twitter to share Amazon's email. The email simply states that the release date for the game is "delayed" and that there is a "new estimated delivery date" that is currently unavailable.

The official Final Fantasy 7 Remake Twitter posts states that another update will come this Friday, March 20 and that Square Enix is working closely with retailers worldwide to ensure as many people as possible get their game on April 10. Stay tuned, as we'll update you accordingly.

Here's hoping none of the other best upcoming games of 2020 are delayed further by COVID-19.

Alyssa Mercante

Alyssa Mercante is an editor and features writer at GamesRadar based out of Brooklyn, NY. Prior to entering the industry, she got her Masters's degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University with a dissertation focusing on contemporary indie games. She spends most of her time playing competitive shooters and in-depth RPGs and was recently on a PAX Panel about the best bars in video games. In her spare time Alyssa rescues cats, practices her Italian, and plays soccer.