Square Enix ponders Xbox 2 game development
Japanese software stalwarts ‘um’ and ‘ah’ at MS proposals.
As Microsoft begins to raise its voice about next-generation consoles, work has begun in earnest to get third party developers on board. Although the likes of Capcom have largely snubbed Microsoft’s attempts to garner support, rejecting offers of financial assistance for distribution, other companies are beginning to prick their ears up.
Square Enix is one such publisher willing to flirt with the idea of Xbox 2 development, and has stated that it is definitely considering the future Microsoft console as a viable option. If Microsoft can guarantee a Final Fantasy game for the Xbox 2, it will make the company's work a lot easier in the future. Not only would that give the Next Box a reasonable chance of penetrating the Japanese market that has proved so elusive to MS thus far, it would also encourage other publishers to follow in Square Enix’s outsized footsteps.
If Square Enix chooses not to develop for the next MS console, or if it keeps its intentions to do so quietly under-stated, the head-start Microsoft is hoping for its next hardware push might be compromised further, in Japan at least.
As and when major software publishers announce their involvement (or lack of) in Xbox 2 projects, we’ll let you know.
Square Enix is one such publisher willing to flirt with the idea of Xbox 2 development, and has stated that it is definitely considering the future Microsoft console as a viable option. If Microsoft can guarantee a Final Fantasy game for the Xbox 2, it will make the company's work a lot easier in the future. Not only would that give the Next Box a reasonable chance of penetrating the Japanese market that has proved so elusive to MS thus far, it would also encourage other publishers to follow in Square Enix’s outsized footsteps.
If Square Enix chooses not to develop for the next MS console, or if it keeps its intentions to do so quietly under-stated, the head-start Microsoft is hoping for its next hardware push might be compromised further, in Japan at least.
As and when major software publishers announce their involvement (or lack of) in Xbox 2 projects, we’ll let you know.
Companies:
Square Enix
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Comments
Joji 1 Jul 2004 14:29
1/4
Should be interesting to see what Square do. They should look hard at how Xbox is doing in japan though. I know Xbox could benefit from Square games but with Sony's vice like grip of them it's doubtful.
The thing I dont understand is why MS are targeting Square when there are plenty of other japanese developers like Mastiff, Nippon Ichi and Atlus, who also make RPGs but have less money than Square, and would surely relish the challenge of making an RPG or two for their systems launch. These lot make less games than Square too. It was hard enough for Square to start working with Nintendo again, but MS I'm not sure about. If there's one thing Xbox has done well it's working with smaller developers like Tecmo, who have now become very valiable to MS as a result. There's now reason why they could not extend the same hand to other smaller japanese rpg developers.
The thing I dont understand is why MS are targeting Square when there are plenty of other japanese developers like Mastiff, Nippon Ichi and Atlus, who also make RPGs but have less money than Square, and would surely relish the challenge of making an RPG or two for their systems launch. These lot make less games than Square too. It was hard enough for Square to start working with Nintendo again, but MS I'm not sure about. If there's one thing Xbox has done well it's working with smaller developers like Tecmo, who have now become very valiable to MS as a result. There's now reason why they could not extend the same hand to other smaller japanese rpg developers.
Brown Force 1 Jul 2004 18:24
2/4
I think MS are chasing Square-Enix mainly because if they get it, it will upset Sony alot. Just like getting GTA on the Xbox obviously did. If Square-Enix announced next week that it was developing a Final Fantasy exclusivly for Xbox 2, there would be a shock wave of hype through the industry. For one the Japanese might sit up and take notice and take Xbox 2 a little more seriously and other major developers may follow. As well as the obvious hype frome Xbox owners and it might give people who were pondering buying an Xbox 2 a big reason to get one on release.
I really think Xbox currently has some much quality titles that the PS2 doesn't and I think Xbox is slowly trying to take alot of key titles that Sony have (such as FF) to show that they have everything PS2 has and more. And its a good idea and if they get Final Fantasy then I really think Sony should start worrying because I really don't think they have that many exclusives to hold onto anymore and FF is heart of it all.
Though I agree, I haven't a clue why Microsoft doesn't aquiring smaller Japanese companies by the shipload. They have the money and there are alot of talented Japanese Developers who would be willing to work with them...lets hope they come to their senses eventually over Japan.
I really think Xbox currently has some much quality titles that the PS2 doesn't and I think Xbox is slowly trying to take alot of key titles that Sony have (such as FF) to show that they have everything PS2 has and more. And its a good idea and if they get Final Fantasy then I really think Sony should start worrying because I really don't think they have that many exclusives to hold onto anymore and FF is heart of it all.
Though I agree, I haven't a clue why Microsoft doesn't aquiring smaller Japanese companies by the shipload. They have the money and there are alot of talented Japanese Developers who would be willing to work with them...lets hope they come to their senses eventually over Japan.
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KilgoreTrout XL 1 Jul 2004 22:14
3/4
I think XBox will really come into its own this X-mas, when it will offer exclusives like Halo 2, Fable & Ninja Gaiden, but will also begin to be viewed as a viable alternative for the $3,000 (or whatever) PC required to play Half-Life 2 & Doom 3.
To me, regarding the Square deal, it seems like a non-issue. For starters, I couldn't care less about the majority of their games; I can't think of a more overrated RPG these days than Final Fantasy. More importantly, I don't think that this deal (or non-deal) will cause anything more than a ripple over here in lieu of the titles exclusive to Xbox currently on their way.
Final Fantasy Tactics on the PlayStation WAS pretty sweet though...
To me, regarding the Square deal, it seems like a non-issue. For starters, I couldn't care less about the majority of their games; I can't think of a more overrated RPG these days than Final Fantasy. More importantly, I don't think that this deal (or non-deal) will cause anything more than a ripple over here in lieu of the titles exclusive to Xbox currently on their way.
Final Fantasy Tactics on the PlayStation WAS pretty sweet though...
Pandaman 3 Jul 2004 21:39
4/4
So much for The X-box 2 on 10/10/10...