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‘Kingdom Hearts 3’ Leaks Online Ahead of January Release, Director Responds

Kingdom Hearts 3
Photo Credit: Square Enix / Kingdom Hearts 3 Official Website

Well, the internet strikes again. Square Enix’s long awaited (seriously, it’s been 12 years) Kingdom Hearts 3 recently went gold, which is video game jargon for officially ready for release – and then almost immediately ended up being leaked online ahead of its January 29th, 2019 release date.

Look, I get it. Really, I do. We’ve waited patiently for years now for the ending of this beloved video game series. Well, maybe not patiently, but we’ve survived. Every fan of the series wants to know how the various stories of Sora, Roxas, Aqua, Kairi, Terra, Riku, Ven, Donald, Goofy and Mickey end – or if they can even come to a coherent ending after all the games and storylines that have been released. But come on, leaking the game early and purposefully attempting to spoil it online? That’s low. Maybe expected for the internet, but low none the less.

Kingdom Hearts 3
Photo Credit: Square Enix / Kingdom Hearts 3 Official Website

While details are sparse, it seems nearly 30 copies of the game were stolen and then attempted to be sold on Facebook Marketplace for nearly $100 each. One of the individuals involved managed to upload videos of the opening town and various other locations before having his online profile pulled. At least ten copies of the game were sold through the online marketplace. No word as to whether the purchasers have been contacted.

Kingdom Hearts 3
Photo Credit: Square Enix / Kingdom Hearts 3 Official Website

So users of Reddit, IGN or basically any social media website that allows comments – BEWARE! You have nearly a month and a half where you will have to be vigilant. The release date seemed far away before, but now the wait will be even harder.

Director Tetsuya Nomura released an official statement this morning (12/16/18) via the Kingdom Hearts Twitter account, stating, “We’re aware that a small portion of KINGDOM HEARTS III has been circulating online before its official release. We are also aware as to how this all happened.” Nomura goes on to say that a crew is investigating and has asked fans to not share the videos. Nomura said that he is, “very grateful that our fans have been warning each other already about the spoilers.” He concludes his statement by saying, “We’re one month out from release. Let’s enjoy the game together when it releases on January 29th, 2019.”

Credit: Kingdom Hearts on Twitter
Credit: Kingdom Hearts on Twitter

Until then fellow Kingdom Hearts fans – Be vigilant and good luck avoiding spoilers!

Are you excited for Kingdom Hearts 3? Do you avoid spoilers or does curiosity tend to get the best of you? Let us know in the comments!