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Japanese publishers cancel, delay games after quake

Online play temporarily halted for Metal Gear Online, Final Fantasy XI and XIV; Japanese debut of MotorStorm 3, Yakuza: Of the End bumped; Disaster Report 4 canned.

541 Comments

Many game publishers have opted to err on the side of caution following the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that caused massive destruction in Northern Japan last week. With that portion of the country reeling from devastation, game makers that include Square Enix, Konami, Sony, Sega, Capcom, and Irem have announced game cancellations, delays, or service outages inside and outside of Japan.

Final Fantasy XIV players will receive a free month of play.
Final Fantasy XIV players will receive a free month of play.

As the earthquake has impacted Japan's energy production, Square Enix said that beginning yesterday, it has taken its massively multiplayer online role-playing games Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV, as well as PlayOnline, offline for at least a week. The publisher apologized for the service disruption on its official forums and said that subscribers to these services would not be billed for the month of April.

Konami announced a similar move for Metal Gear Online. Through its Facebook page, the publisher said that MGS Online was being shut down until further notice so as to conserve energy in Japan. The publisher said that gamers can keep abreast of when the game will be brought back online through its official website.

As for game updates for Japan alone, Andria Sang reports that Irem outright canceled Disaster Report 4, which was due for release on the PlayStation 3 this spring. Though the developer reportedly offered no explanation for the cancellation, it likely stemmed from the game's premise, which was to escape a city that had been wrecked by an earthquake.

Game delays were more prevalent. Andria Sang also reported that Sony has pushed back MotorStorm: Apocalypse in Japan, a game that had been set for release in the region on March 17. Whereas previous installments in the series presented eye-catching natural environments, MotorStorm: Apocalypse is set in an earthquake-ravaged metropolis inspired by the US Pacific coast, specifically the San Francisco Bay Area.

Furthermore, the Japan-centric gaming site reported that Sega has delayed the release of Yakuza: Of the End, which had been slated to arrive in Japan later this week. The game also presented a departure for the series, with this installment in the underground crime drama franchise focusing on a town that has been ravaged by zombies.

Capcom also said that it has delayed the release of downloadable content for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 in Japan. Previously slated for release this week, the add-on would have introduced Resident Evil's Jill Valentine as well as Shuma-Gorath into the cross-over fighter.

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ersten

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I've rarely seen as much hypocrisy in any other gamespot thread I've been reading for a while. I've looked at a good bunch of people posting activity in other boards and they seemed to have forgotten that they had formally engaged themselves in a collective mourning, Are you all 12 years old here? @ NColdhardt What you say is utter crap and you know it. If gaming was so little to the Japanese economy than it would not be necessary to stop playing in order to save energy. That's the main point of the thread. It was not meant to be a forum for the jackasses who want to tell others what to do and know nothing - such as how the Japanese live. And don't forget to stop buying games at all. How can you still be talking games anyway? I thought that you had sent your pocket money to Haiti?

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DarthChristian

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@MuffintopX I thought about doing this a few days ago too. I've donated some cash already but no one can ever be sure if it ever reaches the people it's intended to. I'm no economist and I'm not 100% sure this is accurate, and I don't even know where to find out if it is a good idea, but it should help out with the economic backlash this is gonna have for them. If we all buy at least one (new, not used) game or game system it could help companies get back on their feet quicker, or even add extra revenue to go to the recovery effort. They have other products that would better help but I can't just up and buy a Honda. It sounds a bit selfish on the surface, but this may actually be one time when buying a game or a new system is a good thing.

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GamerLegend10

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@clockworkengine "It is total hypocrisy to villainize anyone on this site for merely talking about games. What, it's perfectly fine for you to want to read about games despite death and mayhem, but it's not ok for them to talk about it?" that not what i am annoyed about, it is fine for people to care about the games they were looking forward to, but it is wrong that some people are actually angry about it, under the circumstances. "And let me further suggest that if you genuinely come to a gaming site for weather and foreign updates, I suggest laying off the games and cracking the books before you feel inclined to express your moral or political superiority." that is not what i said. i said that due to the circumstances it is only out of natural curiosity to look at an article with some news on Japan (whether its about games or not). but of course i do not come on GS for those reasons. also i am not claiming i have moral or political superiority over you or anyone, i just wanted to explain my view.

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clockworkengine

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What part of my post suggested to you that I was referring to people who post garbage like that? Someone who blatantly tries to hurt a nation with words like that ought to be told where to go. I'm talking about these poor people who said stuff like "I wonder if xxx game is still coming out", only for frothy reverends to chime in calling them immature or evil or stupid. Sure, it's not something you or I would say (especially some of you, since some of you seem to be overflowing with an interestlingly public sense of morality), but that doesn't mean they're scum of the earth evil deadbeats who are glad there was a Tsunami. It just means that they still care in some way about their own lives. What is so bad about that? We all came to this site for our gaming fix. Yes, even today. It is total hypocrisy to villainize anyone on this site for merely talking about games. What, it's perfectly fine for you to want to read about games despite death and mayhem, but it's not ok for them to talk about it? And let me further suggest that if you genuinely come to a gaming site for weather and foreign updates, I suggest laying off the games and cracking the books before you feel inclined to express your moral or political superiority.

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GamerLegend10

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@clockworkengine if someone made a comment like "oh its shame, i was looking forward to that game, but i understand under the circumstances why it has been canceled/delayed" then that is fine but that is not what i am complaining about, it is when people are actually annoyed with the company's for canceling/delaying that i get annoyed about. it is as if some (just a few) people on here dont realize what has happened.

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GamerLegend10

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@clockworkengine i dont have a problem being interested in games, its when ppl make stupid comment that i get annoyed. for example one person wished that the disaster had happened to another country (horrible thing to wish on any country) and why?...because he was more concerned about getting his games. can you possibly justify that? well another comment i read was actually complaining that we care so much, he did not think that Japan deserved our help and support because he believed that Japan has not done anything for us. now what do you think about that? personally im disgusted. "But C N N covers earthquake news. Gamespot covers games, and that's the site we are all on right now" well obviously, but we are all interested in what is going on, so when you see an article about Japan, then it may only out of curiosity to have a look.

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Philly04

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Although FF14 for PS3 was suppose to come out this month I really could care less at since last week. After viewing tonight's reports, the damages is worse than expected... Let Japan spend the time it needs to recover and I hope many or all can understand that.

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clockworkengine

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@GamerLegend10 I really didn't want to argue. But C N N covers earthquake news. Gamespot covers games, and that's the site we are all on right now. I don't have a problem with those who go about their daily lives even while mourning appropriately for a hurting nation. For some reason, others do. I do have a problem with people who go to a gaming news site and villainize innocent people for talking about games. We're all hurting for Japan, as well as feeling sorrow ourselves. That is a fact. We don't have to make it into a contest to see who cares the most. This is a gaming site. It is completely uncalled for to belittle someone for posting about games, regardless of what is going on in the world. @ anyone else If you ("you" being whomever may read this) have issues with people who are interested in games despite the tragedy then I suggest the first stone you throw should shatter a mirror, for despite the death and horror, you are on gamespot right at this moment. I hope you got all the gaming info you were after today.

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GamerLegend10

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@clockworkengine "Or better still, why did you click on the article entitled "Japanese publishers cancel, delay games after quake"? Perhaps it is because even though so many have died, you are still concerned with how it will affect your interests" because the Japanese disaster is a big deal and people are interested in news about it...just because we clicked on an article doesn't mean we are all prioritizing games does it?

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GamerLegend10

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@clockworkengine why should people be concerned with games when there are people dieing? it is the last thing we should be thinking about after this disaster. "Realize that everyone has different priorities and understandings of tragedy" if anyone is prioritizing games after a huge tragedy like this, then they are 1) idiots 2) must have a lack of feelings for other people. no -one should prioritize a game, that is just wrong. "If you're so concerned with the events in Japan that you would attack your fellow Americans for doing something other than mourning prominently and constantly, then why are you on gamespot.com right now reading this instead of earning money to send them or headed over there in person for missionary work?" 1) i dont think we expect everyone to be "mourning prominently and constantly" i think we just want people to show a little respect and care. 2) Not everyone can be constantly raising money, each person can only do so much whilst still leading their own lives. some people may not have the money to give away, some people may have problems of their own or family's to look after. but that doesn't mean they dont care, that doesn't mean they wouldn't help if they could. 3) there is noway of telling that people commenting on here are not doing all they can to help. it doesn't not take much time to read a few comments and reply...in between people could be donating or fund-raising.

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clockworkengine

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I wish people would quit getting up in arms whenever someone mentions a concern other than the people who died in Japan. We all feel the greatest sorrows and sympathies for those families who lost loved ones, and for those who now are homeless and don't know where to turn. But someone mentioning a worldly concern is not indicative that they care more about their entertainment than for lost lives. It merely indicates that they are ALSO concerned with what is going on in their own lives. We all must be respectful toward the people of Japan and mindful of their losses. However, if we wish to demonstrate the same strength of character that the good people of Japan are now showing the world, let us spend our words in support of each other rather than in condemnation. Realize that everyone has different priorities and understandings of tragedy, and please do not villainize one another. Life goes on. God be with the people of Japan, as well as those all around the world. PS: If you're so concerned with the events in Japan that you would attack your fellow Americans for doing something other than mourning prominently and constantly, then why are you on gamespot.com right now reading this instead of earning money to send them or headed over there in person for missionary work? Or better still, why did you click on the article entitled "Japanese publishers cancel, delay games after quake"? Perhaps it is because even though so many have died, you are still concerned with how it will affect your interests. I shall not judge you for that if in return you will not judge others for doing the same.

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GamerLegend10

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@GunBladeHero what the hell??? im not trying to be a 'know-it-all' im simply expressing that we should be supporting Japan all we can, rather than making silly and in some cases offensive comments. im not trying to annoy and offend other users, the only users i have a problem with are the ones who are being offensive towards the Japanese.

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OmenIWF

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@ Gunbladehero No, Gamerlegend is not a "know-it-all" he is someone, like many here, that are concerned about the on-going situation in Japan, given the huge loss of life already and the possibility of a nuclear disaster that will add more problems for Japan. We ALL understand that this is just a game, however, given that circumstances in the real world are so similar to those in the game it would be in poor taste, and disrespectful to release this game so soon after the events of last Friday. Yes people can claim that other games have been released during wars, etc, the difference being that unlike those situations where there are two sides of the story (those for and those opposed to the war), in situations like this, most right minded people would be supportive of the Japanese people, rather than be so inconsiderate as to only be concerned with themselves.

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GunBladeHero

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@GamerLegend10 Ah, now we have a mister know-it-all here! Seriously man, annoying and offending other users isn´t going to bring back the people who died in Japan will it? So just...just shut up ok? You are not going to change the World with your ''I´m always right'' attitude, if you want to make your point, just make it without having to drag other users in your own little World.

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MuddVader

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"Final Fantasy XIV players will receive a free month of play." lolsoclever Seriously though, it sucks that they went offline for now, but I really hope that situations improve over there soon. Final Fantasy engulfed my life to an extent, I guess this gives me some time to focus on other things. We love you japan!

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tidusjeff

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@GamerLegend10 IIRC MotorStorm Apocalypse is still coming out. Correct me the game still isn't planned for release over their. So judging by what Apocalypse has, and a survival type of game like Disaster Report 4, thats being hypocritical.

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benur1

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@80s_Gamer @GamerLegend10 well said. we're with you, japan.

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80s_Gamer

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Japan started this ordeal with a serious and blow, and it's only gotten worse... I understand completely why these delays/cancellations are being done, and I hope it's sooner rather than later that they can get back on their feet. I only wish I was loaded with money so I could send a Bill Gates sized donation their way. If I had it to give, I would do it.

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GamerLegend10

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really im disgusted by some of the stupid comments on here, whether you wrote the comments as serious points or for a joke it doesn't matter, it is horrible to say such things about a disaster of this scale, where so many people have died or been injured or lost family/friends. but thankfully that is only the minority of people on here making stupid comments. im happy to see so many of us giving our support and best wishes. hope you will recover soon Japan, not for the games, for the people.

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GamerLegend10

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@GunBladeHero of course no-one believes you, you cant even spell Egypt. now go away, we dont need people like you trying to convince everyone the world is going to end. @watchuwa do you even realize how horrible that is? to wish a disaster this extreme on another country? just because you want some games? @tidusjeff you obviously have no clue about what has just happened...they are not canceling the games because they are being sensitive, they are canceling them because of the massive disaster which has just happened. and how are they hypocritical?

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thelegendlives5

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Ah poor guys, apparently they are having a snow storm right now as well, as if they needed more troubles :( Best wishes for a fast recovery and rising. The land of the rising sun will certainly rise again. No need for games or for apologies for downed servers, more like those video gamers should try and do something instead to help, even if its just a wish or a prayer.

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WolfTheSniper

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I hope they makes a quick and strong recovery,may Japan rise again. I wish I can do more,but all I can do right now is give them my best wishes.

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killlo

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Damn you earthquake damn you to hell! look at what you did shaking everything up causing lots of pain in Japan well I hope your happy you F***ing bastard! STAY STRONG PEOPLE OF JAPAN

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nohabs

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good luck , hope you get back to normal soon

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blackace

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The delays are that bad. Most of that stuff I could care less about. these companies need to concentrate more of rebuilding their country and helping the survivors who need assistance. All these disasters are now good. I just hope we make it through 2012.

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SuperMegaMaster

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Good luck to our brothers in Japan!! stay strong and have faith because you are not alone in this world..

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arsenal262

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@samiii Some old people did return and nowdays live in the area surrounding chernobyl and pripyat, the zone. Chernobyl is being opened for tourism this year and the deaths in japan were not from the earthquake but the tsunami and that was direct deaths.

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GunBladeHero

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We have to be careful, radiation is not something to be taken lightly...

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Paulf001

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Just like to point out your caption on your picture is wrong. SE has isn't currently even charging monthly fees for Final Fantasy XIV because the game isn't up to their standards. But they are giving a free month of Final Fantasy XI which is what it should say on that picture caption.

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Kendojin

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I'd love to be able to go over to Japan and help out but sadly the most I can do is give best wishes, and hope that they recover from this well. But for all the others who only care about the games...You mother$%*#($! make me sick! People are dead, buildings destroyed, lives ruined, and all you care about is when the the next MotorStorm hits..I'm with digi-demon, you guys need to get out and live a life there's more going on than the next game you pop in your console.

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wis3boi

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Stay strong, land of the rising sun!

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WKK

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Screw the games, I just hope Japan recovers well and efficiently. God be with Japan! Amen!

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theKSMM

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I suspect that if asked, lots of MMO subscribers would be willing to allow their monthly subscription fees to be donated to a charity or relief organization rather than refunded. I sure would if I were a subscriber.

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Sahle123

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Bummer /: I love Japan's games. I hope this passes quickly

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mightEone

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Very unfortunate disaster to Japan.

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Kats_RK

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Take all the time you need Japan.

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mack10

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Final Fantasy XIV players haven't started paying monthly yet, the game is free to play.

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elozl

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All our prayers go to our Japanese Brothers!

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Koi-Neon-X

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I've lived in Japan for many years (four years in Okinawa and four years in Atsugi) and I consider it my second home. I do love and respect many things about Japan and I hope and pray for that the people who lost family and friends are comforted and given strength during this most difficult time. As for the cancellations and delays video games is secondary to the recovery and well being of the people in Japan.

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digi-demon

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People have been killed, homes destroyed and lives ruined and all some mindless sensless insensitive idiots can complain about is games releases being bumped. Get out more and live your life - this could happen to any one at any time.

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VarietyMage

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@jecht35: The Japanese won't have a list of damages for several months, most likely, and if one or more of their nuclear plants have a blowout, they may never get a complete list of damaged/destroyed monuments at all. They literally have too much damage and too many bodies to tend to before they can even think of trying to deal with such purely cultural concerns.

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missonrs

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I support the japanese with all the support I can give them, if any games need a year or two to be delayed then so be it! Seriously these guys are stronger than most countries today! good luck japan! @Reyveign unfortunately I have school right now so I can't, if during the summer they still need help then I'll help!

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packtop

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@GunBladeHero yes maybe biggest in the Japan but not in the world.

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Reyveign

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Just a FYI, if you guys REALLY want to help the Japanese, then join a group that's going to take a flight there and do hands-on work to help others. Donating doesn't guarantee your money will go to a worthwhile cause.

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jecht_35

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please don't take this the wrong way but does anyone know if any historical landmarks were destroyed during the earthquake and tsunami? just so you know I care just as much for the people as i do for their culture. this was a devastating turn of events and i will be donating just as much as i would pay for a ps3 game.

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Master_Turismo

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Take as long as you need Japan. No rush to put out some great quality games out to world. You will survive.

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