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Why Resident Evil 3 Remake’s Physical Release Is Suddenly in Jeopardy

Last Updated September 23, 2020 1:46 PM
Thomas Bardwell
Last Updated September 23, 2020 1:46 PM
  • Capcom says Resident Evil 3 Remake will release as planned on April 3.
  • The publisher anticipates physical copy delivery delays in European markets.
  • Capcom says it is working with distribution and retail partners to limit delays.

Capcom confirmed today that the Resident Evil 3 Remake is still on track to launch on April 3, with one big caveat.

The publisher warns that European markets may have to weather delays to the delivery of physical copies due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe.

Resident Evil 3 Remake Physical Release in Jeopardy Due to Coronavirus
If you’re waiting on a physical copy of Resident Evil 3 Remake, you might be in for some bad news. | Source: Capcom 

Delays to Delivery of Resident Evil 3 Remake Physical Copies Likely

With Europe currently at the epicenter of the outbreak, Capcom warns local import restrictions caused by lockdown measures could impact the availability and delivery of disc copies of Resident Evil 3.

Capcom shared the news on the official Capcom UK Twitter account  earlier today, noting,

We are in frequent communication with our local distribution and retail partners in each market to make copies available once local import conditions allow. Please check with your local retailers for further updates regarding individual order and availability of Resident Evil 3 physical copies and Collector’s Editions.

Resident Evil 3 Remake Physical Release in Jeopardy Due to Coronavirus
Source: Twitter 

Brick and Mortar Gaming Outlets Shutter Across Europe

In several European countries, only essential outlets are still permitted to operate. Electronic stores, including game retailers, are among those forced to shutter.

The U.K.’s leading retailer, GAME, ceased its high street operations on Tuesday following an enforced lockdown by the U.K. government . In France, video game retailer Micromania  and electronics outlet Fnac shut down stores when the country went into lockdown on March 16 .

How retailers such as these will provide copies to players is unclear in the wake of Capcom’s statement. It’s likely retailers will shift distribution to postal deliveries if they can obtain copies of Resident Evil 3 Remake.

Capcom’s statement follows in the footstep of Square Enix’s announcement last week. The company said that Final Fantasy VII Remake would release as planned on April 10, but cautioned customers to expect similar delivery issues of physical copies in some markets.

If you are among those with a physical pre-order for Resident Evil 3 Remake, you may want to consider forking out for a digital copy instead.