Microsoft Courts Square for Further Development Opportunities
Just how big a role will Xbox play at Japanese launch, February 22?
The launch of the Xbox in Japan is, and let’s be very clear about this, one of the most crucial points in the history of videogaming. Microsoft is making an attempt to reverse the flow of gaming products that, by way of natural selection, originate in Japan and filter through to the West.
The Japanese don’t like playing games on PC. This is a well-documented fact. The Xbox is a closed platform PC.
Understandably, Microsoft has tried to engender support from Japan’s legions of game developers, successfully forging deals with Konami, Capcom, Sega, and, well, pretty much every company except for Enix and Square, two of the world’s most important game producers. “These big companies are very important and of course we are talking to them” was the word from Seamus Blackley, Technical Director at Microsoft's Xbox division.
Square however, remained typically tight-lipped. “We see a big growth potential in the online game market and we don't want to be left alone when the boom suddenly arrives”, a SquareSoft spokesperson said.
Xbox arrives in Japan on February 22 and is unsupported by a Japanese RPG of any substance, something viewed as crucial to platform success in the territory. Without support from a Final Fantasy or a Dragon Warrior, the Xbox runs a real risk of being overlooked.
The Japanese don’t like playing games on PC. This is a well-documented fact. The Xbox is a closed platform PC.
Understandably, Microsoft has tried to engender support from Japan’s legions of game developers, successfully forging deals with Konami, Capcom, Sega, and, well, pretty much every company except for Enix and Square, two of the world’s most important game producers. “These big companies are very important and of course we are talking to them” was the word from Seamus Blackley, Technical Director at Microsoft's Xbox division.
Square however, remained typically tight-lipped. “We see a big growth potential in the online game market and we don't want to be left alone when the boom suddenly arrives”, a SquareSoft spokesperson said.
Xbox arrives in Japan on February 22 and is unsupported by a Japanese RPG of any substance, something viewed as crucial to platform success in the territory. Without support from a Final Fantasy or a Dragon Warrior, the Xbox runs a real risk of being overlooked.
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