Final Fantasy 15 Ultimate Collector's Edition eBay scalpers criticised
UPDATE: Square says resellers "will be dealt with severely".
UPDATE 02/02/2016 6.33pm: Square Enix Europe has offered the following translated tweets from the Final Fantasy 15 director Hajime Tabata, wherein he says that scalpers "will be dealt with severely".
"Hi, it's Tabata. My sincere thanks to everyone who watched UNCOVERED FFXV. I know that the venue was really hyped, but I hear that in Japan the excitement was even more amped-up because of the its combination with the long TV commercial. As well, the thanks a million for all the Platinum Demo downloads too!"
"By the way, I heard that the preorders swarmed in for the ULTIMATE COLLECTORS EDITION, and as a result, a lot of people couldn't place their orders. I'm really sorry about that and we're currently investigating if there are ways we can somehow increase production. I will keep you updated when there's any progress!"
"As well, the people placing abnormal orders that suggest possible purchases for the purpose of reselling, will be told that they will be dealt with severely in conformity with the agreement. We ask for your continued support of FFXV!"
ORIGINAL STORY 02/02/2016 2.31pm: The Final Fantasy 15 Ultimate Collector's Edition sold out in minutes - and it didn't take long for the coveted collection to appear on eBay.
Scalpers have listed the collection for up to three times the face value. We've seen UK listings that have sold for a whopping £420.
The Final Fantasy 15 Ultimate Collector's Edition includes a couple of steelbook cases, the Kingsglaive CG film on Blu-ray, the Brotherhood anime on Blu-ray, the game's soundtrack on Blu-ray, an art book and a Noctis Play Arts Kai figure. There's also in-game outfits, weapons and items alongside the game itself.
Only 30,000 of the things are being made, Square Enix has said. So when it went on sale last week it whizzed off of the virtual shelves. The collection, which normally costs £189.99, is sold out on Square Enix's own online store.
But, if you're willing to fork out hundreds of pounds, you can secure a pre-order on eBay, where scalpers are making a huge mark-up.
Final Fantasy fans have already expressed their anger at the situation, with some calling on Square Enix to step in. But it seems there's little the publisher can do. Scalpers have for years jumped on video game collector's editions and sold them on eBay for a tidy profit.
Apparently Final Fantasy 15 development chief Hajime Tabata has said Square Enix will look into the issue, but this comes from a tweet in Japanese from the official Square Enix account. We've asked the UK arm of the publisher for clarification.
