UPDATE: Square Enix has re-opened digital sales of Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn and physical stock is back in the channel.

Original story:

Newly released PC game Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn for PC is in short supply at retail following stronger-than-expected initial demand.

PS3 copies are still readily available, but PCR understands GAME stores, supermarkets and several PC retailers are sold out of boxed PC copies, with many uncertain as to when new stock will arrive.

A Realm Reborn topped the PC game chart last week after going on sale in late August. However, a much higher than anticipated number of players have flocked to the online RPG since early game access began on August 24th, putting pressure on the game’s servers.

Publisher Square Enix halted digital download sales of FF14 on August 28th – and today users are still unable to purchase and download the game online.

However, it is understood that gamers can still access certain parts of the title online by purchasing a boxed copy, with restrictions set on the creation of new characters and logging in.

It’s not clear whether Square Enix has limited the amount of boxed copies being sent to retail, until the server situation is rectified, or if it is simply struggling to cope with demand.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn boxed sales in the UK dropped 80 per cent week-on-week, during the week ending September 7th. This could indicate that all available stock has sold out, or demonstrate a fall in demand.

PCR has reached out to Square Enix for clarification.