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As we dive into the world of gaming, it’s clear Xbox has been making strides with Japanese publishers in recent years. Although titles like Yakuza and Persona have successfully landed on Xbox and continue to do well, the absence of key Final Fantasy games like FF16 and FF7, which remain exclusive to PlayStation, is keenly felt by fans. However, fresh insights from a recent GamesRadar interview offer a glimmer of hope that Final Fantasy 7 Remake might eventually arrive on Xbox.

As 2024 draws to a close, Microsoft finds its Xbox platform in a strong position. The release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has shattered previous engagement records, STALKER 2, a timed exclusive, has surpassed one million sales bolstered by its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, and anticipation is building for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, set to release in December. Yet, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing.

A notable dip in Xbox hardware sales has sparked conversations online about gaps in the console’s content library. Over time, many prominent franchises have bypassed Xbox, although this landscape has gradually shifted. Yakuza, Genshin Impact, and Persona have all found their way to the Xbox ecosystem. However, for many long-time gamers, the conspicuous absence of Final Fantasy titles remains an area of concern.

The Final Fantasy series, despite facing challenges like inconsistent game quality and various gameplay experiments, has struggled to recapture its former glory. This, coupled with the series’ tendency to launch on a single platform at a time, has diluted its standing in an increasingly crowded gaming market. Recognizing this, Square Enix is pivoting toward a multi-platform development strategy, starting with Final Fantasy 14 and the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters for Xbox. Unfortunately, as of now, Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 16 are still absent. There is, nonetheless, a flicker of optimism.

I have previously mentioned reports about the possibility of all major Final Fantasy games coming to Xbox, a claim that has gained some traction following a GamesRadar interview. In this discussion, Naoki Hamaguchi, game director for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, expressed his Xbox fandom and hinted at Square Enix’s strategic shift to multi-platform releases.

"Regarding Final Fantasy 7, we can’t say much right now," Hamaguchi stated, "but our goal is to make the series available to as many players as possible. We aim to create an environment where more people can enjoy these games in the future."

Hamaguchi also highlighted the industry’s evolution towards a multi-platform reality, transcending just Final Fantasy. "This shift isn’t limited to Final Fantasy 7," he noted. "There’s a broader industry movement due to the diverse range of platforms and environments now available to gamers."

He also acknowledged the various ways to access games today compared to the past and praised Xbox, noting, "It’s much more diversified now. That’s probably why our CEO, Mr. [Takashi] Kiryu, decided to shift towards being multiplatform. That’s where the industry is heading. Personally, I own an Xbox, and I think it’s a fantastic platform. I really like Xbox."

Turning our attention to upcoming games, some major releases in 2024, such as Black Myth Wukong and Stellar Blade, have yet to make an appearance on Xbox. Microsoft was also slow to jump on the gacha trend, with Genshin Impact only just launching on the platform. However, there have been successes. STALKER 2, a major timed exclusive, made waves this month. Xbox also rode the wave of last year’s Palworld popularity to good effect, demonstrating its ability to secure standout titles occasionally. Additionally, Microsoft recently added Hideo Kojima’s once PlayStation-exclusive Death Stranding to its roster.

Hamaguchi’s insights underscore the growing trend towards multi-platform gaming. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has similarly indicated that more Xbox titles might hit PlayStation in the future. The competition for gamers’ attention is intense, and reaching as many platforms as possible increases the chances of staying relevant and trending. While this might affect Xbox hardware sales initially, offerings like Xbox Cloud Gaming, which now includes buy-to-own games, promise sustained profitability for creators. In fact, both Spencer and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella have assured investors that Xbox’s active user base is at an all-time high and continuing to grow.

We can only hope that soon, Xbox users will get to experience Final Fantasy 7 Remake, its follow-up Rebirth, and the next installment of the series. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll see a return to the classic turn-based style with Final Fantasy 17.

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