Speaking at a financial briefing today, Yoichi Wada was asked to give answers regarding Dragon Quest IX's delay, and thus, how it could affect Final Fantasy XIII.

While Wada was dismissive of the question, he did say that it has it may influence certain decisions they have to make. He couldn't confirm or deny the rumour though, which has lead to speculation that it actually has some weight.

"We've yet to finalize our plans for the next term, so I cannot say for sure if there will or will not be an effect, but Dragon Quest's release being March or July changes the premise. I can't say that there won't be an influence."

For a game that fans already feel has taken too long, this certainly isn't positive news and it could see the western release fall back even further.