Sega delays Western release of Bayonetta
January 2010 is "optimum release time in the Western markets" says publisher
Sega has delayed the Western release of Bayonetta until the beginning of 2010. The game will still launch in Japan on October 29, as planned, but the publisher is hoping to avoid the Christmas rush when it comes to other territories.
"Bayonetta is an extremely important new IP for SEGA and adds a new level of depth to our growing portfolio," said SEGA West president Mike Hayes.
"As a result of market analysis, we have taken a publishing decision that January 2010 is the optimum release time in the Western markets to maximise this exciting new title's potential."
Sega is just one of several publishers rethinking its strategy of releasing its biggest games around the holiday season. Speaking earlier this year, EA's Redwood Shores general manager, Glen Schofield admitted EA would be reconsidering its release schedule.
"I think that we traditionally thought that people only buy games at Christmas or around holiday time, and now we're looking back and going, 'You know what, GTA launched in May; Resident Evil comes out in March'," he revealed.