'Titanfall' Release Date Next Week: The Game Won't Be Launching In South Africa

“Titanfall” won’t be launching in South Africa next week. According to Respawn founder Vince Zampella, the game’s performance wasn’t up to par in that region. The game will reach North America on March 11, Europe and Australia on March 13 and the U.K. and New Zealand on March 14.

“Performance wasn't as good in the area as we would like, don't want to sell you something that isn't great,” Zampella tweeted early on March 7 when a Twitter user asked the developer why the game was pulled from South African buyers. A petition on change.org is urging supporters to demand Respawn give them the choice to play the game.

Despite the disappointing news, Zampella promised South African gamers “we will look further into it after launch.”

No doubt publisher Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq:EA) doesn’t want another “BF4” incident – when releasing a game with a number of glitches results in millions of angry gamers.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is preparing for the much anticipated launch. Chief Product Officer Marc Whitten took to the Xbox blog March 4 to explain the Xbox One March update, which began rolling out earlier this week.

In early February, Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq:MSFT) promised new Xbox One updates would lead to a better, improved “Titanfall” and overall gaming experience. “On March 4, in advance of what is expected to be the biggest game launch of the year, we will be delivering another system update to prepare your Xbox One for ‘Titanfall,’” Whitten posted on Microsoft’s Xbox blog on Feb. 5. “This update will contain many new features and improvements, most significantly to our party and multiplayer systems.”

Microsoft previously launched a number of updates for the Xbox One on Feb. 11. Whitten also talked about these improvements, which include the ability to see and manage storage space, a battery power indicator, the ability to control one's install lineup and the usage of a USB keyboard with the Xbox One.

“Xbox One is a platform for continuous innovation and new consumer experiences over time. Just as we did with Xbox 360, Xbox One will have regular updates to deliver new features and platform experiences designed to delight you. We’re always listening to you and we love your feedback, so keep it coming," he added.

Whitten also assured players that Microsoft was learning a lot from their suggestions and complaints. “We have received lots of feedback since the launch of Xbox One in November and listening closely to you,” he assured players on March 4. “I’m excited to share that our second, and most significant, system update for Xbox One is starting to roll out today and includes improved matchmaking, party chat and friends features that will make gaming on Xbox One an experience like no other. To me that means playing games like ‘Titanfall’ on the best multiplayer service on the planet, using a new headset or the one you already own, while live broadcasting your games on Twitch.”

Do you think Respawn should allow South African players the option to play "Titanfall," even if performance is poor? Leave a comment or Tweet me!