On Tuesday, Square Enix made comments in an interview that could mean their titles will shift from console exclusivity to reach a broader audience.
Square Enix is seemingly looking to make their games more accessible on all platforms by ensuring its future releases are “released simultaneously” on different platforms. The news comes from an interview between 4Gamer and FINAL FANTASY XIV/FANTASIAN Neo Dimension producer and director Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida, who claimed during the interview that Square Enix was looking to shift away from platform exclusivity, saying “titles will be released simultaneously on each platform more and more.”
This is evident by Square Enix’s upcoming release, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension, which was previously only available on the Apple Arcade mobile platform (then as FANTASIAN), now becoming available on all platforms, including the Xbox Series X/S on December 5 at the same time. Yoshida remarked at the multiplatform release in December by saying, “Of course, we want you to play it a lot on other platforms as well,” referring to FANTASIAN Neo Dimension.
Square Enix has already been on a roll with multiplatform releases, considering Visions of Mana was launched on the Xbox Series X/S on day one. Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Trials of Mana, and Legend of Mana were recently launched on the platform, with the Mana titles landing on Xbox Game Pass. FINAL FANTASY XIV, previously console exclusive to PlayStation, has also opened its doors to the Xbox platform this year, so it does seem Square is indeed moving on from console exclusivity.
FINAL FANTASY XIV has also just confirmed the “Crossroads” patch — the first major update for the MMO following the release of Dawntrail, and it will also launch for Xbox on November 12 along with PC and PlayStation. While fans still can’t play Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth, or Final Fantasy XVI on the Xbox platform, it may only be a matter of time until Square Enix launches those titles on the platform as well, considering their commitment to multiplatform so far.
