Albert Pennello on all things Xbox

Mundorare: We met with Albert Pennello last July 14th during the Xbox Holiday Showcase in New York City. While taking a break after playing Banjo and Piñata, we sit down with him to discuss all things Xbox right after Microsoft's media conference in Los Angeles. Although he was eager to share his excitement about Microsoft's plans for late 2008, not all our questions got a clear answer. "The what controller?" he replied when inquired about the Darwin, Microsoft's long rumoured motion sensitive controller. "Never heard of it". A mischievous smile in his face betrayed his words. He knew what we were talking about, but it wasn't the right time to ask about it.

[toughNAME]

Ethics, morals, and I'm sure a few laws were broken during this long process. But Microsoft the Innovator has finally brought Final Fantasy to the Xbox 360.

Who benefits? Xbox 360 gamers. Microsoft is in it for the gamers and that is a-okay with me.

[sonarus]

lol why the hell is he assuring us its not because of money.

[Fragking28]

because people constantly insist that its because of moeny the microsoft has ff13 now

[La Chance]

I dont know why people hope so hard that MSFT paid for it.

If you step back a bit , and actually look at the whole thing : game not even coming out in Japan , where MSFT despretaly needs it.Square complaining about the costs , moreover they already said last year they wanted there piece of the cake in the West etc.And there were rumours last year of FF13 coming to 360.Star Ocean 4 , Lst Remanant all having some kind of exclusivity , means they actually want the 360 fanbase to discover jrpgs , so they can use them later on there other products.

If MSFT paid something in this whole thing it would be for the simultanious release and not actually for the game to go multiplat.

Anybody thinking that Square never thought about bringing it to 360 too even back in the day when it was a 100% ps3 exclusive is just naive.It must have crossed their minds too many times to resist.

[mabreu]

But its not true about M$ paying extra to have the game on their system. This is just a smart economical decision on Square to broaden their market audience. If it is true about M$ paying for the port, I will loose a lot of respect for both companies. Especially Square.

[BulletToothtony]

but i really hope is that the japanese version has at least subtitles cause if that's the case.. playasia.com.. is gonna be my favorite site in 2009 :)

[sonarus]

You must be high if you don't think Microsoft paid square to get FFXIII. Either high or stupid

[Bubble Buddy]

or u work at Microsoft :p. I agree with bullet though, as long as they don't make the PS3 version less spectacular because of the 360, then I don't care.

[MikeGdaGod]

what else could it be? more MS bs

[ukilnme]

@ sonarus

You must be stupid to assume that SE does not recognize the 360's install base and that they buy a lot of games.

[Tarasque]

This is one of the reasons i hate sony only fans. They are the same people as kids when they was getting beat in kickball said "I am taking my ball and going home..."

[Rock Bottom]

It's all about love, friendship and trust.

[Statix]

And how much more mature is it on your part to say that you "just hate all Sony fans?"

[Tarasque]

How about you read my post first before scanning it then typing.
My quote "This is one of the reasons i hate sony only fans". Key word in there is only. I hate liver does that make me immature? Just cause you dont like something doesnt make you immature. It is your actions and personality that does.

[Statix]

That doesn't really change anything. Saying that you hate "Sony-only fans" is no better and no less incendiary than saying that you "hate all Xbox-only fans." It's a flame-baiting, blanket statement/insult to make.

[SCThor]

that's why Too Human is coming to PS3 too /sarcasm

[AuburnTiger]

Statix has a point..

[Hot_tea]

ToughName you haven't changed at all.
Fanboys should be over there>>>>>>& gt;>>>>> Open zone.

[foodbox]

"and I'm sure a few laws were broken during this long process"

Huh? Now they are criminals?

Please, get some perspective.

[deeznuts]

He said it's not because of money. He DID NOT SAY microsoft never paid any money.

Square to Microsoft, "We want to break exclusivity, and put this game on your console. Will you pay us if we do?"

MS, "Of course."

[Tarasque]

Exactly, There is nothing to change it is what it is. If you want to twist my words into a flamebait then so be it. But the thing is i dont dislike 360 only fans so it is not the same to me. I like macncheese but i hate generic macncheese, kinda fits in the same shoe. 360 only fans and sony only fans are 2 different types of flavors but it is about the same thing "Hence my macnchesse".

[Genesis5]

FF XIII is on the 360 because of the success of what about 100 million dollars can buy you. If it was the success of the console they would have already been working on a 360 version long before this. To think anything else is just not using the powers of reasoning.

[RememberThe357]

They want to sell more copies of the game, meaning they get more money... How is that hard concept to grasp? Jesus people.

[Genesis5]

Yes but I don't think SE just up and decided to spend their own money and make a 360 version. The thing that irks me is now I have to wait even longer for the PS3 edition because of MS cheque book.

Fine make one for the 360 just don't hold the PS3's back until it's done.

[rubarb23]

it's on the 360 now, live with it.

[bpac123456789]

YOU SMELL THAT? it smells like BS. Microsoft pulled a few million out of there couches and paid for this exclusive, i don't care what anybody says.

[JBaby343]

Even if MS did not pay SE both companies saw the potential for sales on the 360 so they are making a port... still money. It's always about money. Greedy companies only wanting money.

*sheesh*

:-P

[Willio]

Im sorry but please dont be ignorant and state MS didnt pay for FF13 just because a MS rep stated it of all people. Any people with a logical sense of reality noticed MS has been openly buying exclusives and transforming it into multiplatforms. Worse yet, MS bragged about the situation with a target list such as aiming Konami's MGS4. The history trend of MS's tactic to copy and paste only led to this assumption or the fact that they did buyout the contract breach, so dont blame the majority for believing it to be true. The matter of fact is the fact that we have no facts. We can only assume from practice trends. Furthermore, why would MS even bother to release a statement to defend themselves when its only an assumption when they have paid unlimited amount of funds for other games?

[Sarick]

Don't you think SE would be doing the same for the 360 exclusives if it really was based on the success of the console.

It's like when he makes this statement he knows very well several 360 exclusives aren't going to the PS3.

So is the PS3 not successful enough to get some 360 exclusives ported over or was some other influences that derailed exclusively?

[sumfood4u]

All i know is FFXI came out on PS2 1st 1 1/2 years later it came on XBOX no problem but why if PS3 version is already done that we have to wait for M$ to finish that cheating the true gammers who want to play this game now! an yes BOth FFXI went mutliplatform so i dont really see why we gotta wait for M$ version when our is complete? this aggrevates me to no end!

[ajeben809]

not in it for the money? then y the fark ru running a business, isnt that wat businesses do? lol

[jaysquared]

Right.. And people that play videogames have an IQ equivelant to a rocket scientist.. This was about the money.. I'm pretty sure MS payed them and on top of that they can't resist releasing their game on a console that has a userbase more than the PS3..

[tplarkin7]

You have no proof that MS paid for FFXIII. Fact: The 360 is the number 1 console in terms of game sales.

[TOSgamer]

He just dances around the question of payment by saying the main reason is because our console is successful. So what were the other "less important" reasons? A big fat check I'd wager was one of them.

Edit

Below: Please find and quote the part in that statement where MS denies paying for the game. Read it very careful and quote it if you do see it. I will apologize to you and anyone else that wants one. However, if you don't find anything this whole song and dance by them means absolutely nothing.

[ukilnme]

@ TOSgamer

Does not look like dancing too me. He's just stating that MS did not pay for it. Believe what you must though to sleep better at night. I still don't know why the Sony "Faithful" are still so butt hurt about this. The game is still coming to the PS3.

[PimpHandStrong]

but IMO they paid for same day release in NA

think about it

[Tarasque]

Yeah being that sony fans know it all they dont need proof, just as long as they can make stuff up in there head it is true.

[Common Sense]

If it was about the fanbase, then why are Star Ocean 4 and Infinite Undiscovery not coming to the PS3. Why would they delay the launch of the Ps3 version of FFXIII in NA and EU in order to have a simultaneous release.

Money is definitely in play here. Square Enix said that FFXIII was Ps3 exclusive. 2K said Bioshock wasn't coming to the Ps3. Microsoft said 360 didn't have a 33% failure rate. Nintendo said it's console appeal to hardcore gamers. Sony said FFXIII was exclusive and Home was coming out last year.

All this are all corporate BS.

[jaysquared]

"I still don't know why the Sony "Faithful" are still so butt hurt about this. The game is still coming to the PS3. "

Very simple.. Gives them less ammo to use in the "console flame wars".. With FF13 coming to the 360 why would anybody need to buy a PS3? Unless you want blu ray or enjoy an online service that's unreliable and complicated to use but free.. Of course now PS3 fans will start hyping games up like LBP which i'm too old for but elementary kids would love it too bad their parents can't buy them a $400 console though.. or KZ2 which is way to overhyped considering how crappy the first one was.. Or Second Life 2.0 ohh i mean Home.. Resistance which is a typical FPS.. GOW3 a typical hack and slash game.. MGS IV a great movie...

[foodbox]

"This was about the money.. I'm pretty sure MS payed them"

What is wrong with you people? Do you have any _evidence_ for this? This article is telling you _otherwise_.

Yes, this is about Money. This is because Square Enix cannot risk bringing a big budget title to the PS3 because PS3 attach-rates are terrible, and the Xbox 360 has a vastly larger install base.

Yes, it is about money. But MS didnt supply the cash.

It is too bad you people cant see how ridiculous you sound making things up all the time.

Sony Defence Force Go Go Go!

[RememberThe357]

There is no need to prove anything. This is what we call speculation. CNN does it all the time. We all know MS throws money around to buy timed exclusives and to make games multi-plat. We know this. If your a Sony fanboy thats get f*ching annoying. If your a Xbox fanboy its great. But the problem to me is that people blame MS for a business practice that works. I personally don't like it but it is what it is. If Sony fanboys want something from Sony, such as some RPG's, they need to let them know. But you can't blame MS for whats not on the PS3, that is Sony's machine not theirs, and Sony need to take responsiblity for what is on it, good and bad.

[Willio]

I tottaly agree with you about MS paying off 3rd parties is good for the general consumers but its tiring to hear naive people defending MS for no reason. Of all the MS reps, Albert Pennello has my most respect because he was possitive and not neggative towards their competitors.

[Willio]

I totally agree with you about MS paying off 3rd parties is good for the general consumers but its tiring to hear naive people defending MS for no reason. Of all the MS reps, Albert Pennello has my most respect because he was possitive and not neggative towards their competitors.

[Sarick]

Seems he stated this in general.
It's not about money: Translation "We didn't pay them."

When he says it isn't about money but A bigger install base he's forgetting that the 360 exclusives would benefit as well on the PS3. Question I have though is:

If no incentives where used to move this game multi so it would make more money, then why hasn't SE done the same for the 360 exclusives. It's obvious if they want a bigger profit by making this exclusive multi they should do the same with the 360 excusives.

With the only incentive being a bigger install base combined with "it's not anout money" it reeks of hypocrisy. Why haven't they done the same for the 360 exclusives. Maybe because there isn't enough incentive to breach the exclusive contracts. If it's only about install base and making money all those 360 exclusives would be on PS3 as well.

By saying SE did it because the 360 is successful it's like a slap in the face for the PS3. It implies that PS3 wasn't successful enough to cause the same effect to 360 exclusives.

[NowGen]

1st off, last i checked the FF series is NOT owned by sony! there has been ff games on many systems, including hand helds for some time now. why does this one bother sony fans sooooo much? people say ff is a sony fans game and that xbox heads wont even play it. i say thats a load of $h!t! because im a ff fan from day one who happens to own a 360 (and ps3)now, and so are many 360 owners. so why shouldn't these people get a chance to play this great series? as well as loyal xbox fans who never played the series now may become fans of it. i dont see the problem. how many sony heads are gonna get bio shgock when it comes out? i'm guessing a WHOLE bunch. and its a good thing. it is a great game and i'm glad sony fans who never got a chance to experience it now will. stop with all this misplaced loyalty to hard ware. its not about the hard ware. it all about the gaming experience. and when you boil it all down, where all the same here people. so stop following that same tried and true ugly human habit of segregating and separating each other into groups, and start to realize that where all just people who love to play video games and maybe get over all these stupid predgious tendencies.

[Fishy Fingers]

If your submitting a story, submit the source http://www.mundorare.com/fe...

We dont need spoon feeding.

[blackbeld]

Doesn't matter we all know FF-series PLAYS better and smoother on the PS3 version, cause they just port it to the 360, so 360 fanboys are already bashing this game. 360 boys are more likes for shooting games so it realy doesn't matter. And they already know KZ2 is a must have shooter game. so they already cry inside. they just have to stick with gears of war 1.5, So... its so sad for 360 fanboys.

[katana523]

wouldnt it be great if sony then pays for full exclusivity of ffXIV? that is to say if it does become the greatest final fantasy then 360 rpgers get a taste of goodness and have to get a ps3 to play the next...

[TVC15]

nvm

anyways final fantasy sucks

[power of Green]

WoW although I'v been following SE talks about the Western market for (2)years, I assumed MSFT atleast payed for *same day releases* in the markets they do get the game in.
A very smart last minute adjustment to the status of the market or today and brave for this hard-headed Japanese company.

[smokeymicpot]

Then how else did the get the game

[Fishy Fingers]

Do you think SE wouldnt want to port to the 360? The more potential customers the better. They dont care about Sonys or MSs cause. They want one simple thing, profit.

Given the chance and is possible SE would have this on DS, PSP, Wii the lot. They're 3rd party, they look after themselves first.

[Common Sense]

Star Ocean 4 and Infinite Undiscovery not coming to the PS3?

[orakga]

... is a funny thing.
You point out all the obvious facts.

Also, one of the reasons why people speculate that MSFT paid for it is because they've done it for so many other titles. Proven track record.

[mistertwoturbo]

Common sense usually is something obvious. It's usually something most normal people should see.

The problem is, common sense isn't so common.

This site infested by rabid fanboys don't use common sense to the extreme. And most of them don't use common sense because they choose not to.

An example, Microsoft launched 1 year ahead of the PS3 and Wii. With no competition, only the last generation machines. They sold only X amount of consoles.

PS3/Wii launches with competition from the Xbox360, and exclusive games like Gears of war etc. But the Wii still managed to outsell everything. And the PS3 managed to hit a 15 million install base in a shorter amount of time with an insanely higher price tag.

Common sense tells us that's amazing. Fanboy sense tells us the 360 is number 1 regardless of the year head start.

See how that works?

[power of Green]

Look at Nasim go - with his reporting.

[clintos59]

I can see it where square went to MS since they are in a whole with money, and offered them a deal to bring FF13 over ofr a certain ammount of money and later it was going to release on the ps3 first but then MS handed over some more money to make them hold the ps3 launch of the game to launch the 360 version at the same time with the ps3 version in europe and the united states. U know what they say, "Money Talks" and MS has alot of it to go around.

[foodbox]

" can see it where square went to MS since they are in a whole with money, and offered them a deal to bring FF13 over ofr a certain ammount of money"

I can see it where you, you know, just totally make stuff-up off the top of your head... like, a fairy-tale.

The article is there, right above. Go read it. It says YOU ARE WRONG. MS didnt pay anything.

Almost certainly SE needs the Xbox 360 as a MARKET to make money. The PS3's best selling game is Resistance with 2.97M units.

That isnt enough to support AAA game development, 3rd parties arent in the business of fighting console wars for N4G's SDF fanboys.

[Nodoze]

Yeah I believe this A$$HAT. Square Enix just sat around and said lets approach MS at E3 and GIVE them Final Fantasy in the US as a same day release. Anyone who believes this is either riding the short bus to school, or is not privy to MS tactics for market domination.

Does this mean that SE GAVE them the following as well:
Infinite Undiscovery
Last Remnant
Star Ocean IV

Microsoft was passing out the money hat and NEEDED this annoucement for an otherwise lack luster E3. Hey Square take what we have already given you for the timed exclusives, and triple it to bring FF XIII to 360. Nope, Quad it, nope, multiply it by 10...um ok send us the dev kits.

DONE. If Square had decided this on their own, it would NOT have been announced at the MS press conference during E3. It would have been a general statement done elsewhere.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Simple. Prove it then.

Unless you can with solid facts instead of hypothesis I will take the word from an MS rep. vs a commenter anyday.

[PimpHandStrong]

the fact that you say you will take the word of a MS rep is problem enough! The fact that you would even think of taking the word of any poster on a forum is even a bigger problem

Im a Sony guy and the only word i took from Sony is "life cycle"

The rest is PR spin and corperate postionining

[FantasyStar]

Granted Microsoft's background, they're not going to simply say "we bought multiplatform rights" - what can be proven is that FFXIII going to 360 involved money from Microsoft. What cannot be proven is whether or not Square-Enix sold out solely cause of money or because of something else. That "something else" is what's up for debate. Not the money.

This is also the same case of GT being biased because they're owned by Viacom, which also has a relationship with Sony. Ever notice why every single multi-platform listed on GT has the 360's boxart instead of the PS3's boxart. EVERY SINGLE time? I'm all for consistency but c'mon....

Microsoft won't admit it, but you're asking for evidence we as 'gamers' can't provide because the source won't provide it. Therefore all that's left is circumstantial evidence and analysts to prove it to you otherwise. In the end, you trusting a what PR says is pretty much saying you'll trust the Sales guy at Best Buy that tells you a $3000 PC is better than a $1000 PC for solitaire.

[ukilnme]

@ GiantEnemyCrab

Shhhhhhhhhhh. Most of the time they never have proof. Just their silly beliefs.

[Tarasque]

I think what you smell is your ego. Cause i can smell it too.

[power of Green]

MSFT reports what they pay for with no problem.

[power of Green]

http://www.gamespot.com/new...

October 5, 2007

"Yamamoto: Yes, now the Western market is huge. It is much bigger than Japan. So far our revenue coming from Western and PAL territories is only 50 percent [of Square Enix's sales of games for console and handheld devices]. But within three to five years we want to raise that to 75 percent. To enable us to do that I think the North American and European side of Square Enix have to work very, very hard (of course), and we have to release titles across multiple formats. We used to release a title exclusively for one format. I feel it's crucial we release titles for multiple platforms as most of the Western publishers are doing."

"IGN: Why do you think the Xbox 360 has had such a hard time gaining acceptance in Japan?

Yamamoto: I see the title lineup for the 360 and there are lots of FPS games. And somehow, the FPS genre has never seen much popularity amongst Japanese users. But with the expansion of genres that are popular in Japan, such as RPGs, the 360 looks to be on a positive path. We recently announced Infinite Undiscovery that is exclusive to the 360, and also Last Remnant for the 360 and PS3. Though these two titles are still under development, I think they will expand the popularity of the 360 in Japan."

http://games.ign.com/articl...

OUTSIDE THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER, WHY IN THE FUC DOES IT MATTER?. PEOPLE ARE LOSING THEIR MINDS LOL.

[La Chance]

yeah , youre right.

[deanobi]

Square Enix / Sony / Microsoft

take your pick - who is to blame?

[toughNAME]

Who is to thank?

[The Almighty PS3rd]

hahahha Nasim.

PS3rd has lost EVERY 3rd PARTY EXCLUSIVE POSSIBLE,MGS4 is coming also. Don't you worry.

hahahahahhahahhahahaahah The Almighty PS3rd FTW! I'm still the King!!!!

[ThatCanadianGuy]

Heavy rain isnt going multi-plat tho.
wanna know why? David cage,much like Kojima.Prefers quality over money
They wouldnt downgrade their game to make a quick buck.

[blackbeld]

Doesn't matter we all know FF-series PLAYS better and smoother on the PS3 version, cause they just port it to the 360, so 360 fanboys are already bashing this game. 360 boys are more likes for shooting games so it realy doesn't matter. And they already know KZ2 is a must have shooter game. so they already cry inside. they just have to stick with gears of war 1.5, So its so sad for 360 fanboys.

[Ali_The_Brit]

No, your second, WII is king and your just to ashamed to admit it :)

[Yuji Naka]

Why is it then? Because Square Enix saw a flying pig?

...

[theKiller]

that they r traitors and money liqueurs?? by the way as a 3rd party publishers they have the right but they did very bad thing to break the deal with sony! this game supposed to be a 2007 fall launch game and now we will get it in 2009 fall!! thanks to MS for that!!

[power of Green]

http://kotaku.com/5009839/w...

Sep 28, 2007

"It is crucial for us to expand our businesses on a global basis," Wada said. "Given the fact that the size of overseas markets is now more than three times as large as the domestic market, we recognize numerous growth opportunities. Our strategy to seize such opportunities is two-fold; (i) strengthen our own distribution channels developed by our local subsidiaries in these geographic areas, and (ii) diversify our content in accordance with user preferences in each area. Through these strategic initiatives, our initial goal within a time frame of three to five years is to raise our foreign sales ratio for console/handheld games from its current 50 percent level to approximately 75 percent. We shall continue our effort to better serve overseas markets."

http://www.gamespot.com/new...

There are more detailed talks but I do not wan't to hunt for them.

[power of Green]

http://games.ign.com/articl...

[silverchode]

http://img175.imageshack.us...

[CrizzleC24]

Either all Ps3 owners are children, or they have a bad memory....

Traitors? You should have seen this coming...isnt square a traitor for leaving nintendo to sony?

Also in case you dont know what year is it...FFXIII was announced for the 360' in 2008. But if you have FFXIII let me know! Fall 2007 was last year in case you were wondering. And honestly (to finishing proving you/him wrong in every way possible)a 2007 release for a game on Ps3 is being optimistic at best. In that same case, then MGS4 should have come out in 06' since it was announced in 05'.

Also proving extreme bad memory, I seem to remember FFVIII(the best one) had 4 disc which most ps3 "fanboui's" have conveniently forgotten. Along with the idea that Ps2's argument was that graphics mean nothing and that its all about the games(then they switch and say graphics is everything(and us 360 owners are now saying its all about the games)).

Bubble Me!

These "smart" comments dont come for free.

[BLUR111]

WARM this sheep is

[theKiller]

u idiot!!! of course they r traitors when they left nintendo!! but doing the crime once can be forgiven, so sony gave them the chance to repent but they screwed that chance too!!

when they left nintendo it was because nintendo sucked that time, but now ps3 is raping the 360 world wide with higher price tag!! so there isnt enough reason to justify the treason

[CrizzleC24]

"when they left nintendo it was because nintendo sucked that time,"

Right......just like how Sony is in 3rd place so now its going to the 360 AND PS3?

Lets not forget this gem,
"but doing the crime once can be forgiven,"

Really? sounds....hmm....oh yeah....hypocritical!
By that same token we (360 owners)should be allowed to have MGS4 without being in trouble because we'd be "forgiven"?

I think the bigger treason was Square jumping to PS1 and I'll tell you why. When the N64 lost Final Fantasy, they lost it completely! There was no FFVII for N64. I think some Ps3 owners are just being crybabys, YOU GET TO PLAY THE GAME TOO!!!!!!!!....JUST NOT EXCLUSIVELY.

[Pain]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH A HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA H AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH A HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA A AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA A HHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA
JJJJJJJJJA AAAAAAACCCKKKKKKKKAAAASSSSSSSS S SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHAHAHAHAHAHAH A HAHAHAHA!

sure.....

[SuperSaiyan4]

Just because their mediocre console is lacking games and exclusives and they have poor visuals and terrible ports and a garbage online network they are looking for every little bit of dirt on the 360 and Microsoft if you PS3 fanbabies are indeed that upset with your purchase then get an Xbox 360 you are missing soo much content and true online gaming not to mention better graphics and a far better controller.

The only company that benefits is Square Enix its their game and if they want more sales it makes sense to accomodate for the Xbox 360 which has more sales worldwide than the PS3 which is in 3rd place.

Its ironic though last gen the big black box Xbox 1 was 3rd, and now again a big black box PS3 is last place...Must be something about being a big black box lol.

[kevin1122]

you do realize you make yourself look like an idiot. If the ps3 truly sucks than the 360 must be utter crap since its getting beaten by the ps3.

[Ghost_Helmet]

fact rage will look better on ps3 home is coming soon ps3 online is free and more creative games are coming out edit whats up with the disagree what i said was fact

[Rusted]

You're in the same level as the idiots you are describing.

[JD_Shadow]

So....WHO'S the fanboy, again?

[juuken]

Fanbabies?
Wow, you are one macho 360 owner alright.

[Ghost_Helmet]

we better quiet now or else they will give us more disagrees

[Rob0g0rilla]

Come on. You should buy a PS3. Microsoft doesn't pay you to be a fanboy anyways.

[PiTCHBLaCK]

Actually, The 360 Benifits from this to not just Square, anybody
who says otherwise is foolish, so even if it was square who
came to MS, You better believe that MS was more then willing
to say OK!, It's the FF Franchise afterall.

But this does not in anyway hurt the PS3, it only helps the 360.

I Only have a PS3 so I'll be getting it for the PS3, I Just
really hope that Square does not shorten the game to make
both Copies equal.

Either way, Both PS3 fans and 360 Fans will get one heck of
a game!.

[TheDeadMetalhead]

You sound like you're about to cry. Really, you do.

And btw, the only reason the 360 might be in 1st is because it was released 2 YEARS before PS3/Wii

You are a dumbass.

[juuken]

Someone's getting defensive...

I'm sure that FFXIII did not just fall out of the sky and grace the 360 all of a sudden.

This was a deal that was made rather hastily.

Disagree with me as much as you want but if a person knows that they didn't do something wrong, they wouldn't act so defensive about it. If Microsoft didn't pay for FFXIII, then they should leave it as that. Why do they need to assure the media they didn't pay for it?

[ukilnme]

If people were making up stories about you that were not true, what would you do?

Edit: Ok. You got me there. It does not work like that for MS though. They are in the public eye.

[juuken]

You would ignore it.

EDIT: You would ignore it. I have nothing further to add.

[Common Sense]

Then why isn't FFXIII coming to the Wii? The Wii is the number 1 console in terms of sales and it's still the top selling console monthly.

[Ghost_Helmet]

they probaly were always going send it to the pc and they heard the xbox is like a pc so they sent it to that to

[divideby0]

Who does this dude work for ? Square or MS ?

[Lew_Ijgee]

MIcrosoft marketing director.

[FantasyStar]

That right there discredits everything he has to say on the situation. Whatever comes out of his mouth is either...

1. BS
2. PR Spin
3. Misleading Information
4. Avoiding the question.

[TresTrendu]

I say the exact same thing about you.

[hay]

@TresTrendu: but you have only 3 bubbles, can't say you're reliable source of information or opinion.

Marketing Directors aren't people known of truth, you should know it well, especially Microsoft. They threw a lot of bullshit at people just to make them their customers. Remember win98, xp and vista issues and what they said 'bout it? It's not just Xbox, personally I don't give a damn about it. I'll buy it as soon as RROD will be forever gone so I'm not antifan or fanboy or other pestilence.

[kingme71]

If they didn't pay for it, SE would release the PS3 version when it was done and not delay until the 360 was ready. What reason would they have for sitting on a completed game when it could be out there making money.

Also, why would FFXIII VS. not go to the 360? Argument should stand as well as that going multiplatform.

[Bzone24]

If they paid for it, it would be in Japan where they need it.

[kingme71]

They must have not paid enough.

[mindedone]

Why would they pay for a game for a region in which it has no plan of selling? Buying Japan is wasted money. Buying western markets however is not. Not that I know if they bought it at all.

[FantasyStar]

I can only imagine what the Japanese fanboys are thinking.

If I were one, I'd be pissed that my favorite JRPG developers are selling out to the Americans. In Japan, nationalism is much higher than in the States and the UK combined. They have a sense of pride for their homeland, enough to the point where they'll buy PS3s over 360s just because of brand recognition alone.

[ukilnme]

kingme71

"If they didn't pay for it, SE would release the PS3 version when it was done and not delay until the 360 was ready. What reason would they have for sitting on a completed game when it could be out there making money."

It's simple. The 360 "Faithful" would not buy it if it was released too far after the PS3 version. The Sony "Faithful" have mentioned before that they don't like sloppy seconds. Why can't that same logic apply to the 360 "Faithful"? It is becoming more and more apparent that the Sony "Faithful" think they are better than everybody and should be entitled to everything first and/or exclusively.

@ darkpower

Of course Bioshock is getting praise now that it's coming to PS3. There were plenty of PS3 fanboys that hated it without having played it. As for my blind defense of MS, it does not compare to your blind defense of Sony and you hatred of MS. I support all of the platforms. Can you say the same? Probably not because you are to loyal to a console that is manufactured by a company that does not give a crap about you.

I'm glad you didn't waste another bubble on me as I am glad to reciprocate. I'm out of them anyway. They were taken away by some just like you. You should check things again because the PS3 fanboys are all over any news that is 360 related. As for the PS3 fanboys taking bad news with a grain of salt, LMAO at that. The rivers were running deep with PS3 fanboy tears when DMC, RE5 and most recently FFXIII were announced for the 360. Hahaha, grain of salt. More like a kick to the nutz with steel toe boots.

[JD_Shadow]

"The Sony "Faithful" have mentioned before that they don't like sloppy seconds"

So is THAT why the Bioshock PS3 port is getting as much praise as it is getting and is getting as much media coverage as it's getting? You lost me.

Not that you haven't already lost me with all your blind defense of MS every time you've been given a chance.

EDIT@21 (that you posted, too, since I'm not about to waste another bubble on you):
Free to publish games, but not free from getting criticized for their decision making based on WHATEVER it is. Plus, last I checked, it seems to be X360 fanboys who think the world revolves around THEIR console, since they seem to get so finicky whenever these kinds of stories show up here (or when someone with a pro-PS3 POV comments). Like I said, PS3 fanboys seem to take bad news with a grain of salt. It's the 360 fanboys who are more of the "how dare you tell us this or submit this news story" mentality when bad news for the 360 is released here.

[JD_Shadow]

What I meant by that was that at least they aren't trying to report the story like some of you guys are. There's a firm difference between not being happy with the news (everyone has a right to their opinion) and trying to suppress information because they don't like what was said in the story or analysis piece ("if I don't want to read it, then NO ONE WILL read it").

I see most of the lunatic fringe 360 fanboys (just so we're clear that not ALL the 360 fanboys are guilty) call ANYTHING they don't like as fake or lame because it happens to pose a pro-PS3 position on something. Why that is grounds for a story being lame is beyond me.

At least the PS3 fanboy outcries are somewhat understandable (FF13 might get delayed on the PS3 after numerous other delayed beforehand because MS HAS to have their thing at the same time; developers are being lazy about the PS3 (Gabe Newell) and not even TRYING to understand it (until recently, devs were like that);media's bias against the PS3 (with some not even trying to HIDE it). Although this is better now, sites like Kotaku and GameDaily are firmly bias, the latter being one of those not bothering to hide it).

UNRELATED, BUT THOUGHT I MIGHT ADD THIS IN, TOO: There is no guarantee that there WILL be a delay because of the 360 thing. Remember, just as MS is able to make someone sign a NDA or something, so is Sony. They could just as easily been able to make sure they get first blood for FF13. It's a two way street with that one. Now that they don't have to put in as much resources toward Blu Ray now that it's won THAT format battle earlier this year, that could clear the way with more money to work with, and thus could give them a bit more leverage at something like that to counter any offer MS has (not saying that's a right thing to do, but fight fire with fire, I suppose). I have to believe Sony could've done something like that, too.

[theKiller]

there is 3 reasons in fact
1: the install base is bigger for 360 for now
2: MS must have payed them a lot to get it
3: MGS4 sales were very good but compared to GTA4 its half as good so they thought by going to 360 they will have similar success as GTA4!!(and about this i say we will see)

[TheXgamerLive]

Read the article, NO MONEY.

However, the money they will make from Xbox 360 owner sales will be huge.

[theKiller]

do u believe anything u hear?? just like MS bots!!
what else will he say?? "SE: yes its about money, MS payed us 50 million dollar" and if it was as he says to let more people enjoys then why r they making undiscovery what ever the name of that game a 360 exclusive?? and what about the times exclusives for star ocean 4 and the other one???

[TheXgamerLive]

But they can sell millions on the Xbox 360 and make millions from it. Duh!! Some people should never open there mouths.

Again read and try to comprehend what you've read, in your case ask a stranger what something means from now on.

[ape007]

money is everything

every company wants more profits

am afraid the whole gaming industry
becomes casuel

cause casuel games helped nintendo sell more wii's in 2 years than the whole gamecube life cycle sales

[Dark General]

I'm not sure i buy this (no pun intended). I know it's a good business decision for SE but i think some other money is at play here. I just get that feeling. Plus no matter what company they'd probably never admit to buying something outright from under their competitors nose. When is the last time you heard them admit something like that? Either way it doesn't bother me even IF MS paid SE to bring FF13 to the 360 it only benefits gamers. Sure some Ps3 owners might feel shafted a bit but the game is still coming to the Ps3 and there's other exclusives that will come out for the Ps3.

[jackdoe]

The only way I'll feel shafted is if S-E DELAY the U.S. PS3 release so that it would release simultaneously on both platforms. Because there is no excuse why they can't release FFXIII simultaneously worldwide on the PS3. S-E's 360 releases are all worldwide simultaneous after all(Infinite Undiscovery, Last Remnant, and Star Ocean: Last Hope). S-E is either living in the past, especially since all other major Japanese titles have either released in the U.S. first or released simultaneously worldwide (MGS4, Tales of Vesperia, all those 360 S-E titles, Soul Calibur IV, every Capcom game), or they are holding the U.S PS3 release until they can start development on the 360 version. Hell, if it has something to do with English voice overs, DO THE LOCALIZATION WHILE YOU ARE MAKING THE GAME or don't do record one at all (that would keep some fanboys from b!tching about lack of a Japanese language track).

[foodbox]

YOU. ARE. INVENTING. THINGS.

The article is telling you that MS DID NOT GIVE SE money for FFXIII. What part of that do you *NOT* understand?

Grow up. You're just pulling crap out of your arse.

Perhaps SE is interested in MAKING MONEY by selling to the larger install base on Xbox 360 who is known to buy *far more* games than PS3 owners?

Give your head a shake. You're just bitter.

[PiTCHBLaCK]

I Find it funny how FF13 was made for the PS3 first
and formost(did Square not know that the 360 had
a HUGE Install base and better sales?), now we
hear It's coming to the 360 to.

So Something happened, either Square already planned on a 360
release from the beginning(just kept a secret), MS paid heck of money to square(unlikely because It would take a butt load of money to buy Squares Loyalty to sony, but not Impossibile just unlikely.)Or
somebody totally screwed up.

[Dark General]

Was that directed to me? Because i've never liked FF in fact i don't own a single FF in my gaming library.

Also i agree with you waltercross something major definitely happen. Things don't get pulled out of nowhere a few days (a week or so) before e3.

[SuperSaiyan4]

I am glad its on the Xbox 360 it was the biggest shock in the industry and I am sure ever PS3 fan lost their breath quite harshly.

Overall for me the only reason to get a PS3 one day is for god of war 3 other than that no point.

Shooters should be played either on the PC or with an Xbox 360 controller as that controller is solid, has proper sticks and buttons that dont feel cheap oh and a controller than doesnt feel like it could break and is not seethrough!

But saying that am sure having played on a PS3 and owned one and played on the PS2 as I played Final Fantasy games it feels more natural with a game like that so will be interesting to play with the 360 controller.

[Dark General]

The Sixaxis feels like a toy compared to the DualShock 3. I know it doesn't seem like a major improvement but it's small tweaks besides the rumble that makes the control better. I can never go back to the Sixaxis. As for best controller they are all even to me but for my money Dreamcast had the best controller of all time.

[FantasyStar]

I prefer the DS3 compared to the 360 controller. I can wrap my fingers around it easier.

[JD_Shadow]

I'm sure, then, you have yet to hear about LBP, inFamous, Heavy Rain, FFV13 (still PS3 exclusive), Resistance 2, Killzone 2 and GT5-HD Concept. (just to name a few)

[email protected]: Wait, are you trying to say that you WANT the PS3 version to be delayed or for the game to become a 360 exclusive or something? I'm confused as to what you meant by that comment.

[Meus Renaissance]

It doesn't matter why or how, it's multiplatform now. Life goes on

[ForROME]

I dont hope, you just know is, or was part of the grand deal. When HD DVD and Blue Ray were at battle it wasnt talked about the details of how MS secured HD DVD deal. Then later the spill comes out at how much cash was talked about in the deal etc. Even though HD DVD said, its because HD DVD is being bought by the consumer that the movie studios are starting to realize this and go with our format bla bla bla, Its money in the end.

[bozhangles]

your right. eventually all business leads up to money. my only qualm with this is that the corporate world is teaching us negativity and that money rules all. the business ethics of old have diminished little-by-little.

and to me in my opinion and i don't care who agrees or disagrees that steve ballmer needs to learn that money isn't everything. he is so greedy, he would rather dump tons of money on advertisement and buyouts rather than dump that funding straight into the next windows OS.

i wish i could game on with a happier sense of well-being. i will settle with being alive.

[foodbox]

What are you talking about? MS had very little to do with HD-DVD.

Sony on the other hand, spent (literally) BILLIONS to make sure that bluray survived. It wasnt looking very good there.

Sony gave HUNDREDS of MILLIONS (confirmed by all parties, public record) to its MPAA partners to go BR exclusive.

Sony Pictures gave away films.

Sony CE (Playstation Division) dropped the price of the PS3 and cut features to get the price down.

Sony spent an INCREDIBLE amount of money to get BR into market.

And, you're here inventing nonsense about HD-DVD? Who cares.

[theKiller]

“I think it’s easy to assume that something’s going on behind the scenes, I think the more obvious answer is we’re doing really well and the game creators want their games to be where the most people and the most consoles [are], and right now that’s the Xbox 360.”

and i say by the time FF13 arrives PS3 install base and attach rate will surpass 360 by miles!!!

we can debate that ps3 can surpass 360 install base by the end of this year but there is no room for debating about it surpassing it in 2009!! and FF13 will be released either late summer or fall of 2009!!

[deanobi]

At the moment Microsoft is investing huge amounts into the games industry. Sony on the otherhand isnt on the same level.

And when that happens games will come to Microsoft.

[bozhangles]

anyone who does not think it's for the money does not understand how the world works. and while i don't like saying this it's true. money is the new god for the 21st century. i myself do not like it one bit.

[Topshelfcheese]

Some money had to exchange hands or they wouldn't be holding up the release of the PS3 version to the US and other. It doesn't take as long to localize as it does to Port. There is no reason for SE to hold back the PS3 version unless they had compensation.

I don't think MS paid for it to come to the 360, just that they paid for it to be a simultaneous release.

[DA_SHREDDER]

Just because Squeenix said they are gonna put it on your system dont mean that they can. Its not like this game is 20 gigs or less. This isnt Lost Odyssey,, and that game was like 4 disk.. How many do you think FF13 is gonna need? Like 5 or 6 at least. And lets not forget that they have to compress more data which means you bots will end up with an inferior version of the game. You guys go ahead,, keep dreaming, cause technically, its gonna cost more to put it on the 360 then its really worth.

[DevastationEve]

ps3 is a good console

[SkyGamer]

It's already a proven fact that the ps3 costs more to develop for, not including the royalties. sony charges more for royalties than any other. Besides how expensive is a blu-ray disc recorder and a disc? Far more than a dvd burner and blank dvd's. One blu-ray disc costs cheapest 15 bucks where I can get a pack of 25 dvd's for the same price, non-sale brand-name price. I can get some deals where I can get a 100 discs for 19.95. You my friend need to get their facts straight and STOP dreaming.

[Mr_Potato_]

It IS for money. Sony confirmed that a long time ago.

[Eiffel]

You take a rival company's opinion over fact, wow idiot.

[SonySoldierEternaL]

Eiffel

of course it was for the money. don't you have any common sense?

[xplosneer]

another console=more sales=money?!?! duh? ANYWAYS I own a PS3. I don't care. I get to play this game thank you, and care less that it's on Xbox 360. Doesn't degrade from my experience.

[orakga]

... I wish this were untrue.

At the LEAST, you'll have to wait longer to play the game. And that's the best-case scenario.

[Anon1974]

Of course it went to the 360 for the money. We're not stupid. Square didn't just spontaneously decide it'd be fun to port it over to the 360. Either MS paid them to do it or, like this guy said, they did it because of "the success of our (360) console". IE MONEY, they can simply make more money with a multiplatform game. End of storey.

[thewhoopimen]

Good point... but if it was just "success of the 360 console" Square would've ported the game to Wii and made it truly multiplatform. It's pay-off money, no doubt about it.

[PiTCHBLaCK]

Porting a game like FF13 to Wii would
be very hard to do, if anything Square
would strip it, and rename it something else.

[kingme71]

The tale of 3 dump trucks -

One day MS backed their dump truck full of money to the SE headquarters. Yoichi Wada comes out to talk to Don Mattrick.

"Yoichi-san, we want FFXIII and we want it exclusive to the 360, make it happen"

"Ah, impossible, it will take 3 dump trucks full of your money to get that wish"

"Ok, we will settle for a multiconsole, simultaneous worldwide release including Japan. Make it so"

"You're dreaming Mattrick san. I will not do that for anything less then 2 of your dump trucks full of money."

"Ah, you drive a hard bargain. You can have Japan, Will you take a US/Europe release for one dump truck?"

"Loading dock is around back."

[Sprudling]

I hope he is telling the truth, because that makes it much more likely it will come out on the PS3 first.

No deal with MS means no contract ensuring MS a simultaneous release across platforms.

Unfortunately, it is not against the law to lie about stuff like this.

[hunter21]

tell that to judge judy.... without the money world will not move its so imposible that MS didnt pay for it, not only MS also sony and nintendo doing the same thing.

[Fragking28]

Never in my life have I entered a site with as much fanboyism, as n4g who think they know what the hell is goin on.

Listen idiots, Squaresoft now Square Enix has always brought final fantasy to the best selling platform of the time.

FF started on Nintendo and Super Nintendo then moved on to Playstation brand because it was the console with most install base, the same happened with the Ps2 now 360.

They didnt make i for Wii becasue we cant produce the type of game they want for FF13 but they sure have for DS

So stop making assumptions and learn your history because Square is simply following theirs'.

[orakga]

For someone who comes out swinging at all of N4G for fanboyism, you truly have your facts messed up.

Nintendo used to put a "annual release cap" on all their developers. Squaresoft, who used to be a first-party dev for Nintendo at the time and for many years prior to that, had grown tired of their policy because they had greater ambitions and they wanted to publish more than just one or two titles per year. Then there's the royalty rate and storage space limit with the N64.

Sony didn't pay Squaresoft ANYTHING. They just offered a better business deal (this is different from a buy-out; don't bloody confuse the concept). And after that, Squaresoft was able to not only release a ton of games (most of which didn't reach the US) on the PS1 without limitations, but they were also able to create a FF7 that they had envisioned.

PLUS, when this decision was made by Squaresoft, the PS1 was only 9 months old and barely had any games. If you think they made their decision based on "install base" comparison, you are way off. The Saturn was neck-and-neck (until the Square announcement), and the N64 was still 10 months away from release.

Get your facts straight.
Jesus christ.

[cmrbe]

You just got fraged hehe.

[PiTCHBLaCK]

Yeah what he said, also another reason
Square went to the PS1 because it was CD Format.

again, 360 HAD a lead over the PS3 in sales
and games for long time, what I can't figure
out is WHY Now does square bring FF13 to the 360?
This is WHY i think it Might be somebody buying
somebody., Only money can change this so quickly.

[tordavis]

No reason for PS3 owners to be upset. It's a great time for gamers!

[FantasyStar]

I know I'm upset because Microsoft refuses to acknowledge the fact that in order to get FFXII on 360, they paid Square-Enix for it. The Marketing PR guy may disagree but then again....he is Microsoft's Marketing PR; he'd get sliced and diced if he admitted that money was paid, and bribes were given.

[JD_Shadow]

A game that everyone just wants to get to PLAY that could be delayed on the PS3 even LONGER because of such a decision? You don't think that would rightfully upset someone?

[cmrbe]

He's a FF nut and hes been wating for FF13 since 2005 and he can't speak Japanese.

[CouchKing0]

Only reason the Xcrap is getting Final Fantasy XIII is because Micro$ucks gave them a big fat check.

Don't deny it.

[Xbox is the BEST]

must hurt the Sony camp that FF is coming to the 360.

[PiTCHBLaCK]

It should not hurt the PS3 at all, merely
help the 360.

[silverchode]

i reason why i belive ff13 went multi is because if SE wanted to sell more copies they would have started on the 360 version the same time it started on the ps3 version. they even said that a deal was struck a couple of days b4 e3 and i doubt money wasnt exchanged.

[PimpHandStrong]

if Square Enix wants to port the game to the 360 just to reach a wider western market! Fanboys thats who!

im in the PS3 age group! if you dont know what that is check out gameinformer

anyway im older

i havent played FF or a Square Enix game in atleast 8 years and even thou i have nothing bad to say about the games the ppl that play these games are a younger group on average. IMO JRPG's are goofy and kiddie centric. Boys that look like girls and everyone with huge black eyes.

MS paided for something but it wasnt the game. They paided to have a same day release in NA!

If this means FF fans in NA have to wait then i can say with all honesty i will never buy one thing MS the rest of my life if i can help it.

[orakga]

I see... and who "paided" you to be older?

Nice try.

[kevnb]

whether its microsofts or the xbox owners, its for money. Its not like square wants to put it on the xbox 360 just to piss people off or make others happy.

[KBDuB]

I bet they paid him to say that. -.- Lol.

[TheMART]

Haha now THAT's funny

And the only wise comment I read in this whole thread.

[ukilnme]

Dear Sony "Faithful",

Get over yourselves. You are entitled to nothing. SE is free to publish games for any console they choose. The gaming world does not revolve around your beloved console.

Sincerely,

ukilnme

[Obama]

I think it's obvious that MS paid for exclusivity otherwise Star Ocean 4 wouldn't be timed exclusive. Use common sense bots.

[cmrbe]

They don't have any.

[Shadow Man]

Do you have proof of Star Oceam 4 being time exclusice?

"There is no plans for Star Ocean 4 on the ps3"
http://blog.wired.com/games...

[Obama]

Whether it is timed or not timed, my point stands.

@cmbe: bubble up.

[Wolfmoonstrike]

I just had a thought. FF13 going to 360 may actually benefit Sony in the end, and here's why.

See when 360 gamers get to play FF13, if they like it they are going to want to play FF13 vs and possibly FF13 agito. both that are currently exclusive to Sony platforms. So for those new fans they will have to buy a ps3 (or go over to a friend's house) to play it.

Of coarse this only works if FF13 vs stays exclusive.
Anyway if you disagree at least say why, I'm more than happy to debate.

[Howler9443]

Actually, it will have a more tangible effect than that. Sony currently owns roughly 9% of Square-Enix.

If you think about it, if FFXIII does well on both platforms, Sony and Square wins...if it does better and sells millions more units on the 360...Sony, Square and MS win! The sales numbers would suggest at that point that sales are up and therefore profits are up. If profits are up, its a good thing for Sony and Square.

The bottom line here is that Square-Enix is first and foremost obligated to its stock holders...and a big one is Sony. So, in a round about way, doesn't putting FFXIII on the 360 make sense from the stand point of the most chance for profit and therefore increased stock price?

That would explain why Sony probably isn't as pissed off as people would like to think. Either way, Sony wins on some level.

[Howler9443]

Well, while I really don't care if its on the 360 or PS3, If you read the article, he never really said, "No we didn't", he just went on to talk about people making assumptions. Which in this case, the assumptions about MS paying SQUEENIX are probably correct.

[tako2000]

What's done is done...

Beside this marketing boss is from MS or SE?

[CurlUpAndDie]

we knew it wasn't about the money. its because xbox is freakin famous and everybody has one....dah. so...Jump In.

[hunter21]

yeah in crazy land

[jackdoe]

Lol, if it isn't because of money, then what? Out of the goodness of Square-Enix's heart? Ha! Even if MS didn't sign some kind of contract deal involving money, which I doubt considering the fact that the U.S. version of FFXIII will ship simultaneously on both platforms (which isn't what usually happens when you announce that work on a port will begin AFTER one version is completed), Square-Enix brought FFXIII to the 360 purely for financial reasons. They just wanted more money after they failed to make any in 2007 and 2008 (when they had only DS and PSP releases).

[mirroredderorrim]

Square has dumped Nintendo.. NINTENDO. It's obvious, although Nintendo made them, by giving them an outlet to get their creativity seen and heard, that Sony is not immune, especially when Microsoft gets involved with the boundless well of eternal money. I plan to unlock the secrets to this kind of technology. They don't even possess a money making wii.. it's ridiculous.

[Shadow Man]

I remember somebody saying that FFXIII would never come to the 360 because Sony owns 20% of Square-Enix stock. And look it now is coming to the 360 on the same day. I can care less if they payed for FF all it matters that is coming to my 360.

[jackdoe]

Good for you. As long as you were not one of the 360 fans deriding FFXIII before it was announced for the 360, purely because it was coming to the PS3, I'm happy for you.

[mirroredderorrim]

Well, I don't know if Sony still has a stake in SE, but if they still do, I suppose they get a piece of the overall pie? In some way or another.

And, please, feel free to correct me, I'd like to know, myself.

[PiTCHBLaCK]

Yeah It's funny to think that Sony gets
paid everytime a FF13 360 version is sold.

[wurr]

yes, its about the money, SE is so far up MS butt, with all the 360 titles coming to the 360 and hardly to the ps3, so yeah, MS give SE lots and lots of money, if SE wants to fair, then, they would bring EVERY GAME to both the 360 and ps3 and be done with it, oh no, they got almost every game, except ff verus 13, only on the ps3, capon was the same way with DMC 4, ps3 only until, ""MS"" give them some money,
gee, MS, make you own games, hey MS, to bad ya never got uncharted, lol,

[orakga]

I wouldn't put Capcom in the same boat as SE.

They decided in 2006 to pursue a multi-platform strategy, and after trying the 360 with Dead Rising and Lost Planet, they went all-out multi-platform. Also, they never announced "DMC is never coming to the 360", whereas SE did so with FF13. So, there's no inconsistency there. They make EVERYTHING multi-platform now.

And by that logic, if SE also began to pursue a multi-platform strategy for all their games, I will give them the same benefit of the doubt. But unfortunately, they are only doing this for FF13 DESIPTE the fact that they already have plenty experience developing for the 360. That inconsistency just further fuels speculation.

[Kaneda]

"I mean, we’re the leading console on a worldwide basis, we’re more than double the install base on the US."

leading World Wide? I think they are leading only in the US.. Is there another continent that I don't know about? Is it only showing up on M$ globe?

[jackdoe]

I think he meant leading worldwide when you add up all the consoles worldwide and compare (20 million vs. 15 million). Not leading in every market (which would be a complete lie).

[PiTCHBLaCK]

hmmm, I Thought Wii was leading.

[SuKiT]

Seriously, does it really matter who paid for what if anything? 360 owners get to play FFXIII and PS3 owners still have it as well. There is no compromising the PS3 version as it apparently complete or near completion.

I personally was waiting on buying the PS3 for this game so I am happy it is coming to the 360 no matter who paid for what, I really do not care as my bank account does not benefit from it.

I will more than likely still get the PS3 when VS. drops anyway if it stays exclusive. Long Live Final Fantasy!!!!

[jackdoe]

Only way it will matter is if S-E signed a deal with MS to get a simultaneous U.S release and said deal causes the U.S. PS3 version to get delayed. That's pretty much the only reason I'd care. Other than that, don't give a damn.

[deanobi]

Agreed why cant xbox fans and ps3 fans live in perfect harmony?...

Final Fantasy forever!

[SuKiT]

I will absolutely agree with you on that. If the PS3 version is complete let'er fly. I can either wait of buy a PS3. Choice is a marvelous thing.

[cmrbe]

If MS spent the money it took to bring FF13 onto x360 and delay the PS3 English version and use it to develop another franchise. It will keep the gaming industry vibrant and us gamers in general would benefit. I mean i would't mind playing MS's answer to FF when i get my x360. The last couple of months have seen MS lose dev partners like Bungie, Boiware etc. I wouldn't be surprise if they weren't happy with MS spending millions on 3 parties support like the 50 million GTA4 DLC deal when they could have spent that money on them developing better or new IP's. Imagine what 50 million would have done for Halo 3's graphics or SP in general. How about funding Rare to develop Killer Instict 3 that we might now have?. MS have given 3rd parties alot of power this gen which is very dangerous and counter productive.

But my real beef is the fact that the english version of the PS3 will be delayed because it will have to wait for the x360 version to finish and not so much FF13 going Multi. Millions of FF fans have been waiting since the PS3 was announced for FF13 but now they have to wait even longer because of MS.

This whole fiasco is really starting to show MS true colours. They are not about innovation or proving themselves to be better but rather they will do everything within their power to destroy the competition which is not good for us gamers.

[DFresh]

Yeah right!
MS shoved another $200 million towards Square Enix to go multiplatform.
Yes it's about money.
I don't really think this game is gonna turn out well on the 360.
FFXII didn't turn out well on the 360.
Bigger games on the 360 are a lot harder to do now because of not enough space and you need to do a lot of compression in order to fit the game on the DVD in order to make it work.
MS lacks on 1st party titles and that's what's going to sell consoles this gen and they are lacking.
2007 was the best year for the 360, 2008 is ok, and 2009 MS doesn't even have a line up.
It's happened before w/ GTAIV, Mass Effect, Assassins Creed, Rage, and after that FFXIII and soon on and so forth.
I don't think the game can work on the 360 they might be able to run it but due to the space of both disc and hard drive space when compressing a game the 360 is gonna have trouble fitting bigger and better games onto their platform because of those issues.
Let's also not forget FFXIII is gonna take a lot of processing power in order to run the game I just don't think the 360 can handle it.
The prove is there people open your eyes and wake the f*** up to see the big picture for once and not be a fan boy.

[cmrbe]

we are stupid?. What an insult. Pirate x360 here i come.

[Shadow Man]

You think is cool pirating game people work so hard for?

[cmrbe]

I never pirated a game in my life. Only the odd songs i couldn't find in stores that i downloaded. MS is scum. I will treat them like scum. Because they treat people like scum.

[orakga]

They already got paid by MS and their games aren't even out yet.

[TheMART]

I don't get it PS3 fanboys.

Microsoft didn't need to pay them

WHat is it that you don't understand about economics? Over 20 mln. 360 users that is an audience that could buy the game is more then enough incentive for Square Enix to bring FFXIII over to the 360.

If the PS3 had sold like Sony promised at start, they wouldn't have done this. But now the 360 is still on top and ahead at least 5.5 mln. in sales almost 2 years after the PS3 launched, Japanese devs see they can't stay away from the 360. They just have to, to get their investments back on their major projects.

[Expy]

"Leading worldwide" but fails to mention their failure in Asia, and that they've lost a head-start in Europe to PS3. America is the only region where the XBOX360 really thrives, and even that tendancy is tarting to slowly fade away.

It's certain that something was done between Square-Enix and Microsoft, time will tell. We didn't need their Marketing PR to come out and try to defend themselves.

[CouchKing0]

I'm thinking $500 million.

The Xcrap 3fixme is the PS2 of this generation, in terms of hardware that is.

It will only continue to hold back developers.

Damn bots took my bubbles!

[Shadow Man]

I wonder why they took your bubbles?

Stop using words like "Xcrap 3fixme" and maybe they won't take your bubbles.

[PoorDroids]

HahahAHAhahaHAHAHAahHAA, OK. if not, then it's because of the money..they WILL get from a larger install-base and from a platform wherein the gamers BUY GAMES, not movies. either way u look at it, it WAS because of money, duh.

pwnage.

[CouchKing0]

But...but, the PS3 said he'd give me money if I continued to make stupid comments calling the Xbox 360, Xcrap 3fixme.

I'm so confused! :S

[TheMART]

awwww Nasim worried about your bubbles on this account and the other

Victor E? I'll get both banned and those other 5 also.

[silverchode]

wait dont you have multiple accounts also?

[macalatus]

@TheMart,

Oh stop flattering yourself, Power of Green!

[Time_Is_On_My_Side]

I'm assuming that Square Enix is going to use the full disc as much as possible. When porting that over to the XBOX 360 on multiple discs it would cost Square Enix more money to distribute on the XBOX 360 than the PlayStation 3. id Software is having problems with three discs, imagine six?

Roughly speaking six XBOX 360 discs is the equivalent to one full Blu-ray disc. Realistically speaking every choice a company makes is about money whether Microsoft paid them or not, in the end everyone has to make a living.

[TheDesperado]

SE would try and squeeze as much money out of them as possible JUST to get it on 360, and then they'd reap the very small rewards (probably none since the port will be expensive and inferior) from the miniscule sales it achieves on 360.

As IF they're gonna just leave it all to sales chance on 360.

God, some of you people. Some of you people...

[fadeawayjae]

i think their bullshtting us because they will back the ps3 version until the 360 version is finished

[Skadoosh]

In the end it's all about money. They might of heard that MGS4 sold about 2.5 million copies and weren't impressed. No wonder Square is starting to make games and exclusives on the 360.

[GUNS N SWORDS]

over a year ago "Yoichi Wada" said " at least 3/4 of Square Enix's total software sales needs to come from other countries"

this article isn't that same article but he still mentions the same thing.
http://www.destructoid.com/...

[Mike Bowden]

Why hasn't this story been deleted yet?

This one did, and it's the same thing? http://www.n4g.com/NewsPend...

Consistency please.

[LossTheEarthbreaker]

Why is this running in the PS3 section?

[dfcm2003]

I bet this deal was made, way back, when the game was being developed. At that time yea the 360 was the console of choice, but times have changed. By the time this game actually gets to the xbox, the PS3 will have equal or close to equal install base. So it must of been for the cash.

[THE_BATTLERAGER]

What the hell is wrong with some of you fanboys! Why the hell shouldn't SE release FFXIII on the 360, they are a company, they exist to make money, not to make you feel better. They release on the 360 and they get more sales which means profit. This isn't a war where there are strict sides. And I heard there are online petitions where fanboys sign, threatening SE with not buying their game, such a bunch of losers.

[Doctor Strange]

The only thing I'm a bit upset about is that the we have to wait on the 360 version before they release the PS3 version in the US. I'm just hoping for a fast port, localization and that nothing gets dumbed down in the process. I would love to import this if it has menus and subtitles I can understand.

[Dill-Schil]

ha yeah right!

[mgbass13]

who cares? you're all arguing about nonsense. you should all be worried about how gay this game is going to be since the guy that did 10 is back at the helm...

[mgbass13]

game sucks anyways. confirmed.

[HelghastGeneral]

I never seen a game go to hell so badly with so many lies it is disturbing. The one thing I was worried about as the quality they said the quality isn't going to change. That is like saying ps3 and 360 are the same console when clearly games made aimed at ps3s potential cannot be made on 360. They said crystal tools engine was designed to use the potential of the cell processor if that's the case then how is the quality not going to change? The truth is that the game was being designed at multiplatform specs and aimed to make as much money as possible. Now the best part is hope its good people because 9 10 and 12 weren't that great.

[deanobi]

maybe they can concentrate on the story more now? lol

[Asurastrike]

Not because of money? Bulls**t, the reason they even make video games is to make money. A huge publisher shouldn't try to convince people they aren't in it for money. Who's next? EA saying they are doing it for the art?

[xc7x]

><D ><D ><D

[tk]

If you are a 3rd party, the XB360 and PS3 games sell about equal... with a 30% bigger budget you can get nearly double the money... then why not? Just makes business sense.

[devilhunterx]

How is the sale rate of RPGs on the XB2?

[tom9177]

Microsoft did pay extra money to get FFXIII.Square Enix took the deal for 2 reasons.First it gave them $.Second with the 360 having more consoles sold currently, they can sell more copies worldwide.Microsoft has admitted they want more exclusives and are willing to pay out bribes and kickbacks to get them.This will change once the PS3 has over taken them in console sales.When many of the PS2 owners upgrade to the PS3 the exclusives will return and the war will be over.Microsoft came out first and sucker punched Sony with an inferior product, and seemed to brainwash the idiots into accepting crap that bricks.The lead has shrunken and people are waking up.Its strange that people are willing to buy a console they know is more likely to brick than not.Wake up and send a message to Microsoft!Buy the PS3.Microsoft doesn't care about their customers.PS3 owners don't seem to have any hardware problems of any significance.Keep in mind those RROD numbers don't include repeat RROD's that people have suffered.They only count each customer once regardless of how many systems they have to replace or repair for you.If anyone says otherwise they are lying.

[GUNS N SWORDS]

the answer to that is NO,

and yes square is trying to get revenues from it's software in the first place, but it was without MS's help.

(whether or not anyone here thinks MS IS or ISN'T doing well, SE believes that it is)

[guerojose]

Unbelievable how many gullible people are posting comments here. But then, I guess that was the whole point of this spin piece.

Notice how he (kind of) skillfully uses innuendo to imply that MS did not pay SE for the title. "People just assume...", la-de-da. Why doesn't he just come straight out and say it: "We absolutely did NOT pay one cent to have the game come to 360." ? Anyone? Beuller? Hell, if that's the simple truth, then what's there to hide?

Actually, SE just decided to look at worldwide install base on the evening of E3, and decide to announce the title for the 360, even though they haven't started working on it yet. And they're going to hold off on releasing the PS3 version until the 360 version is ready because that's somehow in their financial interest to...you know...sell more PS3 games, or something.

Chee-rist people, open your eyes.

[OmegaZeroX]

why are PS3 fans mad?
X-Box 360 owners:The reason is because we are getting their game and we owned them.
Real reason: The idea that the game will be delayed because of the 360 version.
Money has something to do with it?
Yes. The idea that something is done in the business world without money, lacks common sense.

why is this topic so hot?
SE said for the longest time , only on PS3, can only be done on PS3 and was complete bs.
As we all found out at E3.

When its all said and done.
we will know all the details not now but someday.

[Tyrael]

Wrong. FF13 on 360 is COMPLETELY because of money. 360 has a large portion of the gaming market, and Square wants to sell their title to a piece of that pie. Can you blame a company for wanting to make more money?

[snp]

There's non compensatory reasons for giving a port to the 360 - as long as the disc numbers is subsidized. There's no non-compensatory reasons for delaying the PS3 version. Nor are there any - if maximum penetration is your aim - for having any of the three other 360 games exclusive to that system (or Versus staying on the PS3).

It puzzles me why anyone would think, given the vibe of the E3 announcement (Square felt like they practically hogtied up on the stage), the gloating of MS ("Sony didn't see it coming!" etc.), the clever 'dancing' in this guys quotes (no denial you'll notice, just misdirection to 'other' more comfortable theoretical reasons it would make $ sense for Square to do a port - with no explanation on the day and date release element, or the illogic of that), and the imbalance of what's being given to MS versus their market strength/direction, anyone would think direct cash wasn't also involved.

Rather than having at PS3 owners or whatever, defensively, just accept it and move on (this isn't directed at you, just generally). Skewering logic to try and fit a non-payment is more irritating and weird than Micosofts paying for it.

[Uzesgelen_Goo]

lol your the real fan boy oh there is no diffrence about xbox only fan and sony only fan. you just acting like immature because you're the one xbox only fan boy. oh and look at statistic more mature and grown ups playing ps3 and teenagers like you playing xbox lol wake up see the real life.

[the_bebop]

This is only my opinion but, putting aside the fact whether or not Microsoft paid for Final Fantasy XIII, I think that Microsoft is getting the short end of the stick, I think that Final Fantasy Versus XIII should have been the one that Microsoft should have been aiming for since it is made by Tetsuya Nomura who created the Kingdom Hearts series which is very popular, a game by him would bring more sales if it was exclusive to one console.

Also I think that for FFVSXIII is the game that could do for the PS3 what FFVII did for the PS0ne, especially when you look at the fact that both are fairly similar, both have spectacular graphics for each generation, both are a lot more darker then other Final Fantasy games, FFVSXIII will probably have a few emotional parts if Kingdom Hearts is anything to go buy so it probably will have some sort of moment like the death of Areith, the music of it will probably be a lot like music for FFVII in that it will be epic just listen to the KH soundtrack and it wouldn't be hard to argue with, not to mention the fact that the characters and settings look a lot like those of FFVII.

[macalatus]

The undeniable proof:

If Microsoft didn't pay, WE (I mean NA and European PS3 owners) would be getting this game before the 360 does. But alas, Square decided to "delay" the PS3 version until the 360 is ready...describing this in neutral term as "simultaneous" release.

[specdoTsign]

I don't want to wait until the 360 version is finished so that I can play Final Fantasy 13 on my PS3...
Bringing it to the 360 makes sense, and I'm glad the 360 owners will be able to play the game; Just don't make me wait for the 360 port to be finished, that's all I ask for Square!

[DJ]

To start up a 360 version after making the PS3 version for 3 years?

[zag]

Is the OP for real MS wouldn't have paid anymoney to pull FF13 over to the 360, hell there've never paid for any games to be pulled to the 360.

FFS MS have been running around the last few months saying they have been paying companies to port PS3 only games to the chopped down version of a PC AKA 360.

Why is that because MS doesn't make anything, they simply rip their products off from people and companies that do all the hard yards, even DOS isn't a MS product it's an IBM product which they sold off guess who bought up DOS yep that's right billy gates.

[FAQS]

Q: Wow after all Ms didn't pay SE for FF XIII, didn't they?
A: Of course just like in:
1- Bioshock time exclusivity
2- GTA 4 DLC
3- DMC 4 on xbox 360
4- Ninja Gaiden 2 exclusivity
5- the guy of valve to bash PS3 system
6- the reviewrs of Halo 3 and the majoraty of 360's exclusives

[Downtown boogey]

Or do you think SE is just making the game for sheer compassion?

[kindi_boy]

i've read all the 193 replies

and "2.9 - With MS's history on this subject
There is no need to prove anything. This is what we call speculation. CNN does it all the time. We all know MS throws money around to buy timed exclusives and to make games multi-plat. We know this. If your a Sony fanboy thats get f*ching annoying. If your a Xbox fanboy its great. But the problem to me is that people blame MS for a business practice that works. I personally don't like it but it is what it is. If Sony fanboys want something from Sony, such as some RPG's, they need to let them know. But you can't blame MS for whats not on the PS3, that is Sony's machine not theirs, and Sony need to take responsiblity for what is on it, good and bad."

this is the only reply i was reading anxiously to see.
this is the problem with Sony although they have excellent built and the most powerful.

this is why Microsoft is doing better although they have a garbage-like built and less powerful.

the idea of waiting for the damn game to be on hold till the 360's version is ready is killing me but this is business good for 360 people bad for PS3. why microsoft played it right, sony f'ed up

[Vitalogy]

All the bla bla bla from SE and MS saying that it wasn't about the money makes me laugh like there's no tomorrow.

So i ask, if it's not about the money why not release the game FREE!?

LOOOOL

Again they will say: bla bla bla bla...

There's always about the money and when MS runs out the goods they use it to buy others goods.

We can't forget how good this will be for SE too, in terms of money. Instead of selling 5million, they will sell 10million. Easy math

[newneto]

Hope that the multi platform games development issues will be solved and I will get a great game for my PS3. I also hope a good 360 version, but how many discs will be?

[ReBurn]

I doubt that it matters how many discs it's on for the 360. People easily and accept multi-disc RPG's.

[killcycle]

your right,
there was so many games i wanted this year but all failed on me because they had to tone it down for the 360 version and it makes me sick.

They try so hard to make both sides look equal just so microsoft boys dont complain.

[ReBurn]

Which PS3 games had to be toned down because of the 360? There's no reason for developers to not use "superior" features of a console if they are available to them. Look back at last gen. Multiplats nearly always took advantage of the greater graphical power of the Xbox over the PS2. Even back to SNES vs. Genesis. If the PS3 has superior capabilities that are not being used then it is squarely on the developers, not the competition.

I think that in this gen multiplats are so identical because that's the best developers can do with their abilities and budgets. Not because they have to hold one version back out of respect for the other consoles.

[klarax]

M$ are a business company.

So its ALL ABOUT THE MONEY

[ReBurn]

The sooner that Sony figures that out the better shot the PS3 has of getting the best games.

[Blitzed]

As opposed to a non-business company. I love those non-business companies.

[ChickeyCantor]

Money is involved, they need to pay the ones who did the port and make a profit on top of that.
Money will always be one of the reasons.

Glad more people can now enjoy a FF game.

[ReBurn]

You're right. Money is always involved. The console loyalists think that these companies develop games out of thanks for their loyalty or something, but the reality is that these companies are doing this to make money.

I would expect to see some SE games that are currently slated as 360 exclusive to make their way to the PS3. Just because they haven't been announced yet doesn't mean that they won't be.

[deanobi]

Maybe Microsoft can buy out the PS3?

[OMGLOLZ]

Nothing will change the past, let's all move on, and stop fretting about who paid what, and when...

:)

[Blitzed]

Squrae just wanted to be nice.

[IaMs12]

Why do people care if MS pays for an exculsive or if SONY does not!?!?! as long as the game comes to your platform of choice who cares if they paid for it! All in ALL no matter what its always the money... Money is MS strong point, they always had it thanks to Mr. Bill Gates so why not take advantage of there strong point?? stupid not to...