Square Enix fast-tracking Final Fantasy XIII localization

Final Fantasy XIII producer Yoshinori Kitase spoke to VideoGamer.com about the localization plans for the game, indicating that the company would like to get the European version out "sooner than a year later than the Japanese release."

According to Kitase, "Traditionally the Final Fantasy numbered series, it takes about half a year between the release in Japan and the release in North America, and another half a year before it's released in Europe. But we would like to minimise this, this time." Steps taken to minimize the wait include recording English voices during the development of the Japanese game, not after. English text localization is also in progress concurrent with work on the Japanese version.

Square Enix must have finally realized that the sooner it gets North American and European versions out, the sooner it can sell the game in Japan again as the "International" version.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII (01/09/09)