At this time, Sq. Enix introduced that its profitable MMORPG, Closing Fantasy XIV, is on its technique to Xbox consoles after years of being a PlayStation console unique. And to listen to the CEO of Sq. Enix inform it, it feels like Xbox has efficiently ensured that much more Sq. Enix video games will find yourself on its consoles within the coming years.
In the course of the Closing Fantasy Fan Fest 2023, Closing Fantasy XIV sport director Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) welcomed Xbox head Phil Spencer onto the stage alongside Sq. Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu to rejoice the Xbox launch announcement. Whereas onstage, Kiryu made the next assertion:
“And yet another factor: as CEO of Sq. Enix, we wish to proceed to ship fabulous video games to followers internationally. And naturally, we wish to welcome the Xbox neighborhood as effectively. And beginning with in the present day’s announcement of Closing Fantasy XIV coming in spring 2024, and every time attainable, we’re planning to deliver our video games to Xbox for gamers world wide to take pleasure in. We’re actually wanting ahead to working carefully with Phil and the Xbox crew to make this attainable.”
In response, Spencer mentioned the next:
“Thanks Kiryu-san. we deeply respect the wealthy legacy of Sq. Enix, and we look ahead to constructing on the connection that we have established in bringing Closing Fantasy XIV to the Xbox, and partnering carefully with you and the Sq. Enix crew on future video games.”
On its face, the concept that Sq. Enix desires its video games on Xbox consoles won’t appear that unusual, however there’s lots of fascinating context surrounding this assertion that makes it a bit extraordinary. Sq. Enix has lengthy been the topic of exclusivity offers with each Xbox and PlayStation through the years which have pushed its video games towards one console or one other at some stage in their launch intervals, and even completely. Most not too long ago, Closing Fantasy XVI launched unique to PlayStation consoles, and there is been no phrase but on an Xbox launch.
The gravitation of Sq. Enix towards PlayStation has been a critical concern for Xbox, although, as we noticed throughout the latest FTC v. Microsoft trial. One proof doc revealed that Xbox had significantly thought-about shopping for Sq. Enix in 2019, although we didn’t be taught from that doc why the deal by no means occurred. Sq. Enix additionally got here up repeatedly throughout the trial, with Closing Fantasy XVI used for example of the sorts of video games PlayStation was shopping for exclusivity rights to in a irritating however acknowledged a part of video games market competitors. From the trial, we realized how crucial it has turn out to be to Xbox to stuff its library stuffed with content material, and to make sure it is not lacking out on main video games like FFXVI.
In mild of that, it is no shock that Spencer has been courting Sq. Enix for franchises like Closing Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Nier, Simply Trigger, and lots of extra. Whereas neither Kiryu nor Spencer elaborated on specifics, their willingness to take the stage collectively in the present day maybe hints at a future with fewer PlayStation exclusivity offers for Sq. Enix content material, and extra Sq. Enix content material on GamePass.
At this time’s Fan Fest keynote was a busy one. Other than the Xbox announcement, we bought updates on the brand new Closing Fantasy 14 Dawntrail growth, a significant graphics replace for the sport, a mysterious T-shirt tease, and a affirmation that no, Dawntrail doesn’t embody Blitzball (sorry).
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Acquired a narrative tip? Ship it to rvalentine@ign.com.
