Eins vorweg, das betrifft bislang nur die japanische und amerikanische Versionen, es wurde kein Wort über die bereits angekündigte EU-Fassung verloren. Wir gehen aber davon aus, dass auch diese Variante über eine Regionalcodebeschränkung verfügen wird, auch wenn dann (wegen des verspäteten Termins und weil es bei uns über einen anderen Publisher erscheint) der eigentliche Sachverhalt aus Atlus Statement nicht mehr zutrifft...

Es ist wahr. Das erste PS3 Spiel, dass von einem Publisher von Haus aus über eine Regionalcodebeschränkung verfügen wird, ist Atlus Persona 4 Beat`em Up Persona 4: Arena. Dementsprechend wird ein importiertes Spiel nicht auf einheimischen Konsolen laufen. Der Publisher begründet diesen Schritt damit, dass der Titel erstens über eine duale Audiospur verfügen wird (japanische und englische Sprachausgabe), somit ist der Lokalisierungsaufwand recht hoch und zweitens, dass der Titel nur zwei Wochen nach der jap. Veröffentlichung auf dem US-Markt erscheinen wird. Auch ein Novum für Atlus und deren Spiele. Nun ist es jedoch so, dass Videospiele in Japan um einiges teurer sind, als in den USA oder Europa. Dementsprechend wäre es für den Publisher vorstellbar, dass japanische Fans einfach noch ein wenig warten und sich dann eine preisgünstigere Kopie aus den USA importieren, dass Internet macht so was ja problemlos möglich.

Zur Anmerkung sei gesagt, dass solche Praktiken in der Musikindustrie seit Jahren Gang und gäbe sind. CDs sind in Japan viel teurer und damit sich die hiesigen Fans nicht billigere Kopien aus dem AUsland bestellen, werden viele Veröffentlichungen mit exklusiven Bonustracks versehen - was dann für Amerikaner / Europäer wieder ärgerlich ist.

Trotzdem kann man darüber geteilter Meinung sein. Warum werden Videospiele so viel preisintensiver in Japan angeboten? Warum verschläft die jap. Spieleindustrie den Digitalisierungstrend (um Kosten zu sparen) und warum haben wir Europäer dann wieder einmal komplett NUR Nachteile aus solch einer Aktion?

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 intoPersona 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.