After rooting out some hidden code embedded in official Final Fantasy XIII online adverts, clever fans have discovered the release date for Final Fantasy XIII in Japan, set for mid-December later this year exclusive to the PS3 (in this region only).

The recent online campaign to prepare Japanese gamers for Square Enix’s special event today still doesn’t have a release date attached, though, so this is still rumour. With this in mind…

The rumoured release date for Final Fantasy XIII in Japan is December 17th, this according to the hidden .swf files on the online banner adverts. To see for yourself, check out the online ad before, and then have a look at an online ad after.

The official, confirmed release date for Final Fantasy XIII is thought to be forthcoming at Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIII event later today (7 PM in Japan), so we’ll have to wait and see if these clever fans are correct, or we’ve all just been subjected to a cruel hoax. Time will tell.

[Update]: The rumoured Japanese release date for Final Fantasy XIII has since been confirmed by way of the Final Fantasy XIII Premiere event held in Tokyo earlier today.

Source: FinalFantasy-XIII.net