While PlayStation has benefited in recent years from a close relationship with Square Enix regarding Final Fantasy, on the Xbox side, things seem to be going well at times and tense at others. As of now, the RPG franchises current events are exclusive to Sonys systems, and it appears to stay that way for the foreseeable future.
Console exclusivity for Final Fantasy on PlayStation could extend further
According to a report from Wccftech, ResetEra user "Head on the Block," recognized as an insider for accurate predictions about the Japanese video game industry, warned about the relationship between Sony and Square Enix negatively affecting Xbox. In a post discussing the possibility of console exclusivity ending for Final Fantasy to allow Xbox users to play the new releases, the insider mentioned, "Its going to get much worse, Im sorry."
Xbox, Square Enix, and Final Fantasy: a complicated relationship
Currently, Xbox can only confirm the release of Final Fantasy XIV, following Phil Spencers meeting with Square Enix to favor his platform. However, theres no word on releases like Final Fantasy XVI, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which remain console exclusives on PS4 and PS5, with completed or upcoming releases for PC.
Furthermore, Xbox has yet to receive the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection. A report previously indicated that Square Enix and Xbox had not reached an agreement because the Japanese company did not see sales potential for the IPs games on Microsofts consoles, demanding a high price to bring them there. Additionally, Square Enix reportedly had no interest in the Xbox Game Pass model, leading to a standstill in relations between the company and Microsofts gaming division.
Regarding recent unofficial information, Jez Cordens October report this year suggests that Square Enix and Xbox may be making progress to bring all the companys recent releases to Xbox Series X|S. However, history has shown that the relationship between them can change from one day to another. Finally, Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gamings CEO, stated that they are actively working on it because he knows Xbox users want to see Final Fantasy on their platforms, but there is nothing concrete yet.
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