Thanks to a store-based exploit, it has been possible to buy Dark Souls III via the Japanese store on the Xbox One, and then convert it into the International version of the game. Publisher Bandai Namco has announced that they are aware of this, and wants you to know that the version of the game you would play if you did this is “not complete”.
According to the official press release put out by Bandai Namco, “any gameplay they may experience prior to the official April 12th release date for the game will not be complete.” The reason for this is that the international version of the game does not have its multiplayer capabilities activated yet, and it also does not include the planned day-one patch that will deliver further optimization for the game.
The day-one patch will be made available on the game’s international release date, i.e. April 12th. That is also the date PlayStation 4 and PC players will finally be able to get in on the action. Considering the lure of playing Dark Souls III early, however, it is unlikely this warning by Bandai Namco will do much to stop people from getting the game. It makes me wonder if the publisher had certain stern words for Microsoft and their store.