Games Industry Wire

Square Enix, creator of the popular final fantasy series, knows a thing or two about MMORPGs. They probably have the most popular role playing game franchise to-date. And, with Final Fantasy 8 debuting on the PS3 it does not seem like things are not slowing down for them.

On the other side of the spectrum, Microsoft has always needed a good MMORPG, thus, it seems possible that Microsoft would look to the experts when creating such a game. If Microsoft did obtain the Final Fantasy series that would also largely increase their presence in Japan, which they’ve tried to do many times, only failing horribly.

Square Enix, to begin with, seemed optimistic about the 360s capabilities:

“We are deeply impressed by Xbox 360’s outstanding features such as HD graphics, network connectivity and personalization. We are also impressed with Microsoft’s deep insight into online gaming. So it is a great pleasure for us that the cross-platform concept of our PlayOnline will now be compatible with Xbox Live. Users of Xbox Live can now share with PC users the worlds we’ve created. This is something we’ve dreamed about in the past.”

That was a quote from Mr. Yoichi Wada at E3 in 2005. At that time, it seemed like Enix was excited about what the 360 could do and wanted to work with it. And, many game analysts were speculating Square Enix to get FF8 on the 360 when the game launches; however, this does not seem to be the case. Square did not even consider moving the FF8 to the 360, I wonder why?

Though Microsoft could not land the FF series, it looks like Square Enix will create new title, Project Sylph, for the 360. Reports are also showing the Final Fantasy 8 will still only be available for PS3 and PCs. So, the future of Square’s 360 productions largely depends upon the success of Project Sylph. I guess if that game goes well, they may produce more content; however, who knows how much Sony is paying them not to produce for Microsoft.

Microsoft does, in fact, already have FF6 on the 360, but that’s a 2 year old game, and not many people bought a 360 to play a 2-3 year old game. I do hope Project Sylph goes well and Microsoft and Square Enix can begin working together on some amazing next gen content.

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