Volcano threatening key releases?

UK video games publishers are insisting that April’s upcoming triple-A releases will not miss their intended release dates despite the heightened pressure being placed on freight companies in light of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajkull volcano.

A number of key titles are due to hit retail on April 30th, including EA’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, Nintendo’s Wario Ware DIY, Sony’s God of War Collection, Capcom’s Super Street Fighter IV and Sega’s Iron Man 2.

When asked about possible delays, a Nintendo spokesperson told MCV: Wario Ware DIY will be released in the UK on April 30th. The majority of our distribution across Europe is achieved via road and not air. Therefore we do not expect any impact on software availability in the short.”

EA also added that its World Cup title is not expected to be affected, with a spokespersone adding that "the EA teams have worked hard to make sure game reaches consumers on time".

However, Croydon-based Creative Distribution has admitted that the channel is facing some challenges.

The eruption has caused some delays on incoming and outgoing shipments,” operations director Damien White stated. The positive is that every business in the trade is in the same boat so you get a certain amount of understanding from the customers.”

MCV reported earlier today that Australian games retail is facing disruption due to the growing backlogs being suffered by freight firms.

UPDATE: Sony has confirmed to MCV that it still expects God of War Collection to hit its scheduled UK release date.

UPDATE 2: Capcom has added that stock of Super Street Fighter IV is already in the country, so its release will not be affected.

Image credit: Boston.com