Marvelous USA has warned that the unpredictable international tariff situation could delay the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Earth Dancer Edition beyond its planned release date.
This limited edition includes a Japanese-inspired sacred fan with display stand, two-disc soundtrack CD, 160-page art book, exclusive downloadable content and Woolby plush keychain.
It is the sacred ‘sensu’ folding fan that is the reason for the risk of a delay, as the item remains “stuck” at the publisher’s supplier factory in China.
“I’d like to share an update with our fans in the Americas. Like other companies that deal with an international supply chain, the uncertainty of the tariffs situation is creating havoc on our production schedules and there is a chance that the premium ‘Earth Dancer Edition’ of our upcoming Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma release may not be ready in time for the game’s worldwide June 5th release,” Marvelous USA president Ken Berry explained in an update.
“Specifically, the ‘sensu’ folding fan is done but has been stuck at our supplier’s factory in China for a couple weeks. Trying to bring it over now with the effective tariff rate will cost unanticipated fees totaling over 20% of the suggested selling price, largely due to this item being the most expensive component we have ever produced (with the exception of a figure going into a collector’s edition). We cannot pay those fees, and trying to pass the cost on to fans who already pre-ordered at a set price is also unacceptable to us.
“In case anyone is wondering why a fan steeped in Japanese tradition is being made in China: That is because that was the only option available to us when we started the process almost a year ago, when we were told there was not a sensu manufacturer in Japan that could create our custom fan at the quantities that we needed. Instead, we imported authentic Japanese ‘washi’ paper to a facility in China where they would be assembled using a labor-intensive process.
“There is still a chance that the goods could make it in time for launch and this message worries everyone for no reason, but I prefer to be open and transparent with our community. Even if tariffs are reduced or eliminated tomorrow, there could be a huge backlog of product in a similar situation as ours. What that means is that what would usually have taken only a day to clear US customs could take weeks – that is how uncertain things are right now with our already delayed schedule.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and be prepared to provide the product as quickly as possible (such as bringing the sensu fans by air rather than the much more economical ocean freight). We thank you for your support and understanding if even our best efforts still result in a delay.”
This latest entry in the action RPG and life simulation series introduces you to the Eastern territory of Azuma, which is described as “a land of Japanese-inspired visuals and unique twists on familiar gameplay elements from the Rune Factory franchise.”
The publisher later added: “As we are seeing some questions — to clarify this only impacts the Earth Dancer Edition for Nintendo Switch. The standard physical editions for Switch and Switch 2, and any digital editions are all on track for June 5 launch as planned.”
Ravaged by the effects of the Celestial Collapse and the cessation of power provided by the runes, the eastern lands of Azuma are a shadow of their prosperous past. Weakened by corruptive forces, the gods of nature retreated from the world, leaving mountains to crumble and fields to wither.
The people of Azuma seek aid against a blight that has swept these once-bountiful lands. One young hero enters into a contract with a dragon and sets out on a journey. “Accept the might of the Earth Dancer. Use this power to save the land.”
You will assume the role of an Earth Dancer destined to return hope, and life, to the once-thriving land. Choose from one of two protagonists whose fates are closely tied together, you can experience “reimagined and expanded Rune Factory gameplay.” As an Earth Dancer, you must farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talismans.
With majestic villages to uncover in Azuma’s vast expanse, each takes inspiration from Japanese culture and has a seasonal theme. You must also cultivate relationships with the locals, recruiting them to your side in battle or to help manage the villages. There’s also the chance to wield sacred treasures of the gods and the Earth Dancer’s power of dance to purify the land and return Azuma to its former glory.
The publisher has outlined the game’s key features, which include:
- Bold New Abilities and Weapons: As an Earth Dancer, use the power of dance, sacred treasures, and fresh weapons like the Bow and Talismans to purify the land, farm, and undo the Blight’s damage.
- It Takes a Village: Don’t just mind the farm—rebuild entire villages! Construct and place buildings strategically to entice people to return to the villages and contribute. Revive the gods to bring vitality and valuable resources back to the plagued lands.
- Your Fantasy Japanese Life: Experience beautiful Japanese-inspired character designs and aesthetics—from festivals to events to monsters. Explore Azuma’s natural landscapes and its seasonal-themed locales steeped in tradition.
- Classic Romance and Relationships: Choose between male and female protagonists, then befriend or romance any of the eligible candidates—god and mortal alike—in fully voiced scenarios. Recruit these new friends to aid in dynamic battles, too!
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will be released at retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide on 5 June 2025.
