After a period of PlayStation exclusivity, Square Enix has finally brought Final Fantasy XVI to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC. This announcement, made at the recent Xbox Showcase, also included the news that Final Fantasy VII Remake is heading to Xbox this winter.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
Final Fantasy XVI's Xbox release comes two years after its initial debut on PS5. Similarly, Final Fantasy VII Remake is arriving five years after its PS4 launch. These releases are part of Square Enix's strategy to expand their reach and diversify revenue streams by releasing games on multiple platforms.
Xbox Fans Rejoice, But is the Timing Right?
The demand for these titles on Xbox has been significant. A wider release means more access for players and, potentially, increased sales. However, the question remains: is this arrival too late to capture the initial excitement?
Historical Context: Sony, Nintendo, and Xbox
Square Enix's history with Sony and Nintendo has traditionally favored these platforms. Xbox has historically struggled in Japan, impacting the availability of Japanese-made games, particularly JRPGs, on those consoles. Microsoft, however, is actively working to change this perception. They've been increasing their presence in the Japanese market, including announcing the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters for Xbox at last year's Tokyo Game Show.
Looking Ahead
With Final Fantasy XVI now available on Xbox and Final Fantasy VII Remake on the way, it will be interesting to see how these releases perform and what impact they have on Xbox's presence in the JRPG market. Will this mark a new chapter for Final Fantasy on Xbox, or will the initial delay have dampened the enthusiasm? Only time will tell.