Xbox 360 Fanboy

When pondering the idea of bringing Final Fantasy XIII to the Xbox 360, Square Enix based their decision to go "platform neutral" on the success each console had in reaching different demographics in different territories. Square president Yoichi Wada told GamesIndustry.biz that "we always consider the territory and hardware for titles, and I just want to make sure that we're neutral about dealing with companies," admitting that "in Japan we know that the Xbox 360 isn't really that strong yet." But Wada continues saying that "in North America Microsoft is doing very well with its hardware, and for that reason it's a very important partner for us," mentioning "we're now in the age of the multi-platform, but depending on age and territory, users have different tastes."

Different tastes, different consoles and different opinions. Square Enix is just sharing the love and stuffing their pockets full of cash and coin.

Sony Computer Entertainment America boss Jack Tretton discussed Sony's take on the recent announcement that Final Fantasy XIII will release simultaneously on the Xbox 360 with the PS3 with a round-table of journalists, including our own team at Joystiq. "Am I disappointed by it? Yes," Tretton told the group, adding: "Am I surprised by it? No." He was quick to stress that the game remains a PS3 exclusive in Japan, but that "seeing as there isn't that big of a [PS3] installed base in [there], I don't know how big of a coup that is for us."

Speaking on the subject of paying off publishers for exclusivity, Tretton told Joystiq "[Sony] invested so much money in the [PS3] hardware" that it simply "can't write checks for exclusive software."

While popular theory is that Microsoft paid Square Enix off for its recent handfull of upcoming releases, word around the industry campfire points at a decision made by Square Enix months ago to focus on multiplatform development that saw Final Fantasy XIII land on the Xbox 360. With a high install base and solid attach rate for the Xbox 360 in North America and Europe many developers are forgoing exclusivity in order to lessen the blow of "next-gen" game development. Capcom has been a prime example of this point with Devil May Cry 4; which saw better sales on the Xbox 360.

Regardless of the situation, Square Enix is happy to bring the experience to as many people as possible and as gamers we all should be too.

In a round-table discussion regarding its E3 announcements, Square Enix was asked the inevitable question of disc storage space for the Xbox 360 and how it will affect the final product versus the PlayStation 3 release. Final Fantasy XIII producer Yoshinori Kitase didn't have a definitive answer but his response is sure to both cool and fuel flame war fires.

EGM editor-in-chief James Mielke asked Kitase, "Will there be any compromises made to the Xbox 360 version in terms of the FMV quality or audio quality?"

Kitase cooly responded, "At this point, nothing's really been decided; that will be a process that takes place in the future, but for the difference between the hardware, we'll work on trying to find ways to compress the prerendered movies and voice that take up a lot of data in ways that don't affect the final product. As for the in-game visuals, we're going to look for ways to ensure that the quality remains the same between the two versions."

Here's a question readers. If it had to be on multiple discs would it matter? Seems like the same amount of hassle compared to being forced to install a game. Just saying.

[Thanks, Jonnah]

Update: Square Enix has confirmed that Final Fantasy XIII for the Xbox 360 and PS3 will ship simultaneously in North America and Europe (although region ship dates may vary). The game remains a PS3 exclusive and will ship first in Japan.

Tried of squinting at your monitor attempting to watch the Final Fantasy XIII trailer showcased at the Microsoft Press Conference? Team X3F has got your back. Unveiled again, and for the first time (explanation to follow), during the Square Enix press conference is the trailer in its entirety (that's the again part) but with the added bonus of a PS3 Exclusive ... In Japan banner at the end (that's the first time part).

As usual with most Square Enix games, it looks beautiful and is sure to be a hit when it lands on the Xbox 360. Whenever that is. Final Fantasy XIII is coming to the Xbox 360! Just thought we'd say it again.

Update: Square Enix has confirmed that Final Fantasy XIII for the Xbox 360 and PS3 will ship simultaneously in North America and Europe (although region ship dates may vary). The game remains a PS3 exclusive and will ship first in Japan.

After announcing Final Fantasy XIII for the Xbox 360 (see above) a few questions were left unanswered. The most pressing question regarded the release date and development of the title. Square Enix has just revealed some of those details in their own conference.

According to Siliconera, Final Fantasy XIII's 360 port has not been announced for release in Asia. The team is currently focusing development on the PS3 version of the title. Once the game releases in Japan, the team can then work on localization and porting it to the Xbox 360. It is unclear if the game will release simultaneously for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in North America and Europe. We may be in for a long wait until Final Fantasy XIII lands on the Xbox 360 but who cares? It looks awesome!

Square Enix's plan to release the Xbox 360 version of the game is to focus on building the franchise utilizing the the Xbox 360's significant userbase. However, although Final Fantasy XIII has been announced for Microsoft's console, Versus XIII is still in development as a PS3 exclusive. Or is it?

As an added bonus, check out FinalFantasyXIII.net to download the music found in the reveal trailer above.

Update: To clarify -- according to G4TV, Microsoft requested the footage of the Final Fantasy XIII trailer be shown from this angle.

[via Joystiq]