This doesn’t seem to actually be any kind of new information, reading the source Microsoft just references that Sony has some kind of exclusivity deal (with no specifics on if it’s timed or otherwise) on certain Final Fantasy games - which, I mean we all knew.
SE fiscal year 2023: sales -6%, profit -25%
Who would have thought that investing in stupid blockchain stuff instead of Xbox ports would result in lower HD console sales?!
At least they can’t blame their Western studios 
My understanding is that it’s still their 3rd biggest year on record so it ain’t that bad, especially since no major releases happened but this year should be good with FF16 and maybe FF14 expansion.
I do agree they should get some more remasters on Xbox though. I got FF Pixel Remasters and Tactics Ogre on Switch but I would have definitely gotten them on Xbox if that would have been a possibility. FF7 Remake and FF16 would definitely have recouped their costs on Xbox as I’m sure the last few releases must have done enough to make it worthwhile!
Ff16 on pc day 1 will hurt them fucking bad. When you look at elden ring and hogwarts they made a killing on pc.
Ff16s sales on ps5 only at 70 bucks will show us the true metric on how ps5 games will do. If horizon sold 8m combined ps4 and ps5 in 1 year how much is 16 going to do on ps5 only?
Not sure japan will do anything considering the low install base. Ff16 also isnt as mainstream as one of sonys big hitters.
More PS5s will have been sold by then so that might help a bit, but I think FF16 can definitely do 5-6 million copies. The problem is that the late PC release won’t probably do as much as they hope as late releases like that make people feel like second-class citizens so will not have the same reach as Day 1 for sure.
Thanks for adding the context. It’s tempting to see a negative number and run away with a conclusion but the reality is more complicated.
Pretty much confirms that Square auctions their exclusivity and Microsoft won’t budge
Fine by me. Xbox should stick to acquisitions. Basically confirms SE is in financial trouble if they can’t manage like everyone else.
Yeah, I hope Microsoft doesn’t give them a cent because personally I don’t care about their games, specially now that Eidos isn’t part of SE. Just buy Sega or Capcom that are better publishers
So in a way that means FF16 could have been a Xbox exclusive?
If that’s the case, it would have cost an astronomical sum. Much smarter to put that money to better use and avoid the firestorm of criticism they’d endure.
Most likely wouldn’t have happened due to the cost for Microsoft to make it exclusive is insane
Glad Xbox is leaning into their partnerships with Sega/Atlus. Square Enix can fuck right off with that one.
I just wish the Sega side made more JRPGs lol. They had an interesting go at it a few years ago but most of them flopped (VC4 and Sakura Wars PS4 included unfortunately) and there were terrible ones like Valkyria Revolution.
I also wish Xbox was getting that Etrian collection but I’m assuming it’s something they’re not anticipating big popularity for so I understand the Switch/PC only choice.
Look at this thread above. Sony have signed contracts to prevent Xbox versions here and there. And these contracts are not costly to Sony since they are the market leader.
Why is this thread still open.
But it takes a shithouse a of a 3rd party to do this. Imagine signing a deal to block competitor. I understand timed deals. But outright block? Thats crazy
So if I understand correctly, Square Enix behaves with its games as if they were at an auction? Do they see which platform holders offer the most and then decide which console to develop the game? What kind of publisher has such a mentality?!? This is far beyond the concept of time exclusivity