Bloodborne may have one of the biggest popularity-to-lack-of-merchandise ratios of the modern video game industry. It makes it all the more frustrating that the limited edition Bloodborne and Cyberpunk 2077 Figma figures have been delayed from their January 2022 release date to later this year.
The mysticism surrounding Bloodborne may only be rivaled by From Software's upcoming game, Elden Ring, as the former title continues to trend and remain relevant seven years after its release. While fans can buy the official Bloodborne watch or the exclusive board game to show off their fandom, there are not many other pieces of merchandise out there for them to attain. When Good Smile Company announced it was creating a line of Bloodborne Figma figures, the community quickly rejoiced as it meant another item for them to display. Figma is a popular line of figures specializing in video game and anime characters.
As spotted by Jenni Lada of SiliconEra, Good Smile Company has delayed its Bloodborne and Cyberpunk 2077 figures planned for January 2022. The release date of the Figma figure for V from Cyberpunk 2077 has been pushed out to June 2022, while the Figma figures of the Bloodborne Hunter will now drop in July 2022. This includes the standard edition Hunter, the "Old Hunters Edition" Hunter that comes with Ludwig's Holy Blade and other special accessories, and the Hunter Weapon Set that offers the bonuses of the "Old Hunters Edition."
According to Good Smile Company in its memo, this delay is out of quality control, stating, "[The] products have been delayed in order to ensure that they are manufactured to be of the highest possible quality." Currently, Good Smile Company is making modifications to its production line in order to address these issues.
Good Smile Company does not specifically reference the Covid-19 pandemic, but it would be unsurprising if this delay was in some part affected by the virus. Industries around the world have suffered due to the pandemic, with many hardware manufacturers being unable to meet demand of their consumers like with Sony and the great PS5 shortage.
It is certainly disappointing for those who were looking forward to getting these figures, but there are many worse situations that could have happened. Those who have their figures ordered will still be getting them—it is not like Good Smile Company has pulled the plug on its shipments. Delays and shortages are a modern part of the entertainment industry that consumers are still struggling to adjust to. In the same way that Analogue outlined its Pocket shipments, waiting on merchandise becomes a bit easier when consumers know what's going on and aren't left in the dark.
Bloodborne is available on PS4.
Source: SiliconEra