Rune Factory 4, the RPG/sim 3DS exclusive game that made waves within its cult following when it was released in Japan and North America last year, was due for a European release in 2014. However, now it appears like it will never be getting an official release in the country, with publisher Marvelous AQL confirmed to VG247.
‘We regret to inform you that the European release of Rune Factory 4 for Nintendo 3DS has been cancelled.
While MarvelousAQL has made every effort to secure the title’s release for this territory, it is, unfortunately, not possible to do so at this time.’
This follows the developer of the game Neverland declaring bankruptcy last year.
While future entries in the franchise are in jeopardy, fans in Europe will have no way to play Rune Factory 4 now, thanks to Nintendo’s region lock. Unless they decide to import a US or Japan 3DS with a copy of the game, the title is out of bounds for them.
Nintendo, this is another reason why you don’t region lock your systems.