Square Enix commits to no one! Or is it everyone?
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Sep 26th 2006 at 2:25PM }
Speaking with The Wall Street Journal, Square Enix's senior VP Michihiro Sasaki got downright cryptic when asked about his company's next-gen alliances: "We don't want PlayStation 3 to be the overwhelming loser, so we want to support them. But we don't want them to be the overwhelming winner either, so we can't support them too much."
The statement seems to be a clever way of masking Square Enix's uncertainty about the PlayStation brand. There's no denying that the PS3 price tag will affect the console's user base, and Square Enix clearly doesn't want to commit its franchises solely to a Sony platform that won't necessarily dominant the developing generation of hardware. Of course, Final Fantasy XIII & Final Fantasy Versus XIII are already locks for PS3 -- but ultimately, both could also be released onto other platforms. But then there's Kingdom Hearts, which as 1UP notes, has not been bound to a next-gen platform.
Keep an eye on Square Enix developments. Either the company will spread its franchises across several platforms -- including Xbox 360, if the console starts picking up sales in Japan -- or Square Enix will dive head first into multiplatform agreements, which may be the only economically viable solution.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Chris @ Sep 26th 2006 2:29PM
So was the PS1 and PS2 just a fluke? I'm starting to think that, IF PS3 fails as bad as everyone keeps saying. How can a company have two powerful systems and then just screw everything up royally?
Oh wait...
Funny how history repeats itself....
crono141 @ Sep 26th 2006 2:38PM
I saw another quote from Squenix (via Neogaf) talking about since FFIII DS is such a hot seller, thery're going to give the same treatment to other games in the future.
Of course, every dumbass on that forum was like "OMFG FF7 on DS FTW!!"
Sometimes I think these kids first console was a playstation, and they never had the curiosity to actually figure out "They call it ff7, I wonder if there is an ff 1-6".
FF4 ds remake would rule all.
ManekiNeko @ Sep 26th 2006 2:35PM
Gee, SOMEONE'S a little full of themselves! The success of a game system does not hinge entirely on how much support it receives from Square-Enix. If that were the case, we'd all be playing Wonderswans right now.
JR
KBeat @ Sep 26th 2006 2:35PM
Third party exclusivity is looking more and more like like a thing of the past for this console generation. Considering how similar the 360 & PS3 are in terms of power, it just makes sense for companies to develop for both platforms simultaneously and reach the largest possible customer base.
crono141 @ Sep 26th 2006 2:39PM
Oh, forgot to comment on the story at hand:
Squenix have basically come out and said what many have been thinking since SNES: Final Fantasy series names the market leader. Sales of Playstation consoles dominated N64, not because of superior graphics but because of the fact Square (as well as every other 3rd party) took their major franchised to it. I'm convinced FF7 commercials, more than anything else (because all they showed for commercials were FMV) sold the Playstation.
Once PS1 had secured the lead, ps2 followed on its heels with hype and the promise of more final fantasy. I bought a PS2 because I knew FFX was coming out for it.
If I had known then what I know now, that FFX was a mediocre game that should never have been made, I would have saved my money.
Z @ Sep 26th 2006 2:40PM
Lucky for sony. Imagine if Square Enix wanted PS3 to be the ultimate loser!!
This statement from SE is enough to consider what PS3 might become. SE drove sales of the PS2 over DC, GC, and XBox from the beginning. If they help Nintendo and/or Microsoft, look out.
Branewalker @ Sep 26th 2006 2:45PM
Well, the other thing is, Sakaguchi and friends are already developing for the 360. I really consider them to be the true spirit of Square anyway. His direction, along with Uematsu's music was the real selling point of Final Fantasy. How are they making one without those guys?
--Branewalker
VampireHunter Z @ Sep 26th 2006 2:43PM
I think a console can be #1 without SE. They just have to find 3rd parties like Mistwalker to support them (hehe). Anyway it's about time I see FF games on more than one console. It's not like the hardware is that different. Unless it's loaded with 1080p FMV and they can't bother to put it on multiple DVD9s.
crono141 @ Sep 26th 2006 3:14PM
Perhaps they should try (to make PS3 the ultimate loser). If they succeed, then they'd have a lot more weight and credit to throw around in the industry.
mellifluous @ Sep 26th 2006 2:44PM
i do not think that squenix will completely alienate its customers by releasing the new kingdom hearts on a different platform. Starting the series on one platform, then switching to another company all together for the next installment would piss too many people off. at least if it is on the ps3, the people who have yet to enjoy anyone of the earlier titles will still be able to play them on the ps3.
to be honest i dont care which system its on, because i will have every system. but people in my same situation are not in the majority, and so continuing IP's that are already in existence in that same line of platforms would make more business sense, however future IP's are free game for any platform. this is, of course, considering if they dont release it on the ps2.
Dylan @ Sep 26th 2006 2:44PM
I like how they know their decision of where to put the Final Fantasy series halps decide the entire console war (in japan at least).
Probot @ Sep 26th 2006 2:45PM
Doesn't Sony own a pretty big chunk of SquareEnix? I wonder how that factors into all this.
jojo29 @ Sep 26th 2006 2:47PM
"Third party exclusivity is looking more and more like like a thing of the past for this console generation. Considering how similar the 360 & PS3 are in terms of power, it just makes sense for companies to develop for both platforms simultaneously and reach the largest possible customer base"
And this is what will hurt the industry. I believe exclusives are the ONLY way for developers develope anything worthwhile BECAUSE of the risks and costs involved they will tend try their 'best' when it comes to exclusivity, but when we have multi-platform releases what we get are watered down games that are built just to save a penny(although sports games tend to be the exception)
Most of the gaming greats are exclusive(Zelda, Mario, Metroid, Jak and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank, God of War, Final Fantasy(some), Killzone, Gran Torismo, Devil May Cry, Dragon Quest ack Halo,etc..) there have been some exceptions like Splinter Cell, and Metal Gear Solid( SoL was exclusive for awhile but eventually found its way to the xbox and gc, dont see why MGS4 will be any different) but for the most part gaming greats only come in exclusivity! I for one will be very depressed to see games that are exclusive for my brother's 360 come onto my new PS3 and vice versa.
Some of you may argue that "its all about the games, who cares what system, at least this way we ALL get the same games" if that is going to be the case they why have THREE systems at ALL!! That would make owning a particular system rather pointless. Because WE ALL KNOW FOR A FACT that if Sony and Microsoft relied on their 'first party' games then NINTENDO will demolish the floor with Sony and MS. The new ranking would be like this: 1. Nintendo 2. Sony 3. MS, yes MS has really FEW VERY FEW if any first party development games that are noteworthy.
/end rant
Ken @ Sep 26th 2006 2:54PM
I've always been of the opinion that it would be very difficult, if even possible, to lose any console race if you had Final Fantasy exclusivity. We'll have to wait and see if the PS3/FFXIII combo proves me wrong.
tom @ Sep 26th 2006 3:05PM
this is a stupid statement, like their games can decide the fate of a console war,
Chris @ Sep 26th 2006 3:52PM
Squeenix is amazing, and unfortunately I am likely to love anything they put out -- just like Japan. However, it is a little bold to say that the Playstation brand will fail without them. While the FF series is a very influential bullet point, it's definitely not the only one.
It's apparent, though, that SE is hardly immune to the multiplatform trend. It brings in the most money, easily, for the publishers/developers. It isn't all that farfetched to see the only 'exclusive' games being first party.
suffah @ Sep 26th 2006 2:54PM
jojo29
It seems you are trying to justify purchasing a PS3. The end of exclusives doesn't hurt the industry like you claim. First party titles will remain exclusive and I for one will be glad that other titles will be spread out.
Cage @ Sep 26th 2006 2:54PM
"So was the PS1 and PS2 just a fluke? I'm starting to think that, IF PS3 fails as bad as everyone keeps saying. How can a company have two powerful systems and then just screw everything up royally?"
Hmm...Nintendo did the same thing. So...yes, there is history. About the only thing that stays on top are animals on the food chain. That is unless deer have evolved to having sharp teeth...
This is the first step to Final Fantasy going to other consoles. They didnt even confirm it as a PS3 exclusive? Ha...another knock on the "true next gen" console. Good luck with your purchase gentlemen (and ladies)...
Jeff @ Sep 26th 2006 2:54PM
"The statement seems to be a clever way of masking Square Enix's uncertainty about the PlayStation brand."
No, it seems more like a clever way to say "cough up the dough for an exclusivity contract, Sony."
I think we all need to learn to look a little more critically at the real agenda behind statements like this. This is a business. Public statements from major publishers and manufacturers always have a business agenda. Taking them at face value is a little naive.
It is highly unlikely that we will ever see a numbered Final Fantasy game on any system other than the PS3. But publicly threatening Sony with that possibility is no doubt an effective way of making their contract as lucrative as possible. (And no doubt those talks have been ongoing, as they always are.)
Jeff @ Sep 26th 2006 2:56PM
"It is highly unlikely that we will ever see a numbered Final Fantasy game on any system other than the PS3."
Um, other than FF11, I mean.
In other words, the "canon" single-player FF games - the system sellers of the series - of which FF11 is not really one.
White Black Guy @ Sep 26th 2006 2:58PM
SquareEnix makes good titles but by hang yourself by only staying with one platform.
32_Footsteps @ Sep 26th 2006 3:02PM
Eh, if you want to look at it that way, Probot, Nintendo owns a pretty piece of Namco Bandai, but you see their games come out on all systems.
I believe it's fairly common for hardware companies to own pieces of software companies, but that doesn't always translate to any amount of control over their operations.
"Starting the series on one platform, then switching to another company all together for the next installment would piss too many people off."
Right, and neither Square, Enix, nor the combined company never did that with Final Fantasy, the Mana series, Chrono Trigger, Kingdom Hearts, Dragon Quest, the SaGa series...
Honestly, I think S-E are just hedging their bets. They're as confused as anyone by what's to come in the console war, and they have nothing really to gain by committing to one specific console at this time.
KBeat @ Sep 26th 2006 3:04PM
@12
I still don't see a move to multi-platform releases as bad for consoles. Several of the great games you listed were in fact first party exclusives, and that won't change. Indeed, it's those first party exclusives that usually lure gamers to one camp or another (Mario, Halo, Gran Turismo, etc.) and create the rabid, and often ludicrous fanboyism that is so prevalent on this site and others.
I don't think GTA was hurt by its release on the PC & XBox. A great game is a great game, and the more people that can play it the better. I personally don't want to have to own three consoles every generation if it can be helped.
James @ Sep 26th 2006 3:16PM
I'm not an analyst or a developer/publisher or anything, but even I have enough common sence not to give exclusive rights to a console that's gotten nothing but bad press since the day the price was announced.
FSK405K @ Sep 26th 2006 3:06PM
Chris (#1) great post, man! I haven't laughed that hard in days!
mmx @ Sep 26th 2006 3:07PM
"FF4 ds remake would rule all."
Heck yes!
JodyAnthony @ Sep 26th 2006 3:07PM
what it all comes down to is this:
Whatever console has Dragon Quest IX will rule japan.
Cage @ Sep 26th 2006 3:08PM
"It is highly unlikely that we will ever see a numbered Final Fantasy game on any system other than the PS3."
This fanboy has 10 stars? Can we ask how? Stranger things have happened Jeff. I wouldn't write it off yet. Yes...the PS3 will do well in Japan (Would be interesting to see how the FF series sells there compared to other nations...can someone pull that up?), however here in the US it looks like it will be behind. SE is just keeping its options open. The *first step* to going to other consoles. There was NONE of this talk with the PS2...
jojo29 @ Sep 26th 2006 3:09PM
"jojo29
It seems you are trying to justify purchasing a PS3. The end of exclusives doesn't hurt the industry like you claim. First party titles will remain exclusive and I for one will be glad that other titles will be spread out."
im not trying justify my purchase or my plans to purchase a ps3. No doubt about it im getting me my PS3 along with my Wii. Yes i do believe losing exclusivity can and will hurt the industry because it just shows the customer that the developers is just after a quick buck. Also it shows EVERYONE including yourself that no matter which system you buy all the same games are gonna be on it, whether you own a PS3 or Wii or 360. BUT thats good you say!! heres why its bad: When a developer codes a game for multiplatform that code is what i like to call a 'mainstreamed code', meaning its NOT OPTIMIZED for ANY ONE platform. So your $250, $700(after HDDVD) or $600 dollar investment is NOT BEING FULLY utilized AT ALL. Developers are not optimizing their code for YOUR purchase, your console of choice(because not all of us can afford all the systems).
Now if this is to be the case of the generation to come, then i should just buy a Wii, its cheaper, and no please dont tell me graphics matter to you because if you agree with wanting no exclusivity then you dont care about optimized code which means you really dont care about graphics.
Anyways i hope this all makes some kind of sense. im just trying to point out that exclusivity is a good thing. I like all the systems but if developers are just going to put their games on all the systems i would rather then have one system, that is fully utilized and optimized rather than having the quick cash in games that im afraid might be the wave of the future
Yoshi Likes Boys @ Sep 26th 2006 3:09PM
Branewalker: A good portion of the Vagrant Story team did FF12. Every indication is that they've lived up to the franchise pedigree quite well.
And I think SE's influence might be actually under-represented here, FF7 was probably the most influential game in terms of actual effect of the entire generation, and pretty much ushered in "big-budget" game design. I think it's misguided to say that they're not the most significant third party, still, as their most successful properties wield Street Fighter-like influence.
I think like everyone, Square isn't sure what the PS3 is going to do, but I think we can be fairly sure that it won't be the 360. After all, the only way Microsoft has any Japanese developers of any significance is by paying a couple of them off (to which I say to Hironobu, high five for getting the big money, I'd have done the same thing, of course). Hironobu is the spirit of Square, and was also responsible for almost tanking the company with that god-awful movie.
As of now, Squeenix seems to have healthy relationships on both the console and portable levels with Sony and Nintendo, and barring the collapse of the PS3, things should continue in that direction. As for Microsoft, uh.....no chance.
FSK405K @ Sep 26th 2006 3:12PM
I laugh when I hear someone say that FF makes a console. Ya ya, FF7 and the PS were successful, but it's not like everyone and their mother bought a new video game system to play a Japanese Role Playing Game. Take a look at the timeline of PS game releases in Wikipedia: a few decent games at launch, followed by--MONTHS LATER--Twisted Metal, Resident Evil, and some more mainstream hits. FF might get the hardcore gamer, but, as we've seen statistics of in the last few weeks, we're the minority. S-E is being smart, either in saying they don't think enough people will buy PS3s over course of the next yearS to make FF games PS3 exclusive, or in trying to bait Sony for...something, as someone suggested. Good play, and entertaining to watch us all whine about.
FSK405K @ Sep 26th 2006 3:15PM
"As for Microsoft, uh.....no chance." How about Blue Dragon and the others? I think we'll see some 360's being sold in the next weekly report, after all the talk of them at TGS. $10 on it, any takers?
FSK405K @ Sep 26th 2006 3:18PM
woa good post over at DS Fanboy:
"FFIII creators talk other remakes on DS" http://www.dsfanboy.com/2006/09/26/ffiii-creators-talk-other-remakes-on-ds/ It links to some Games Radar interview.
That8 @ Sep 26th 2006 3:19PM
@12
I'm sorry, but being exclusive isn't a risk that brings about good games. Its just stupidity to think that with the new gen of systems. And you can't really use the last gen systems as an example of how exclusive games were some how better. It’s simple marketing here. Hell, GC wasn't even in the race power or numbers wise. And then, MS didn't show up to the race till it had already started and then sunk like a rock in the Japanese market. Sony was the overwhelming winner in the last gen.
Now, with development costs on the rise, PS3 having basically the same power as X360, which already has a firm grasp in the NA/UK markets AND is also known to be far easier to program for than the PS series of counsels, it only make sense that developers would be willing to bring there games to X360 and PS3.
I would love to see SE bring their titles over to the X360 because I don’t own an HDTV, and don’t plan on putting down the cash for one any time soon either. So why the hell do I care about 1080p, 1080i, HDMI or whatever the hell that crap is. I just want good JRPG titles which I don’t have to sell my soul to get.
Derbeste @ Sep 26th 2006 3:53PM
"It is highly unlikely that we will ever see a numbered Final Fantasy game on any system other than the PS3."
Since FF 1, 2, 3, and 4 have already been released for the GBA and DS AFTER their move to Sony, I'm going to assume you REALLY meant NEW numbered FF games.
And for those two that are clamoring for FF4 to get the DS treatment....I wouldn't count on it. FF4 has already had a recent rerelease. I doubt they will be spending much more time on it. I CAN see them scrapping the GBA rereales of V and VI and giving them the DS treatment since Neither have had recent releases and they already have a graphics engine in place.
Now....FF7....
I could see this release (if it ever happens) coming out for multiple systems....PS3, 360, and DS (I just don't see how they would translate either graphics engine to the Wii).
Lastly...to those that are trying to down squares importance.....
Look at history. The console with FF has ALWAYS been #1. Square left Nintendo because of cartridges. PS1 held it's own for a while...but it didn't take off and leave N64 in the dust till FF7 was released. FF3 made the DS sales triple for 2 weeks..and it's just a RERELEASE.
Just think about what having FF would do for the 360 in Japan...
A two year head start in the U.S.A and FF in Japan would make Xbox a LOCK for #1 (assuming lesser support for Wii).
If square was important for a console BEFORE they merged with Enix, they are essential now. Whoever has Square WILL win Japan. This is certain. Whoever wins Japan will have the most JP 3rd party support. Whoever has that.....will probably win.
Chris Taran @ Sep 26th 2006 3:25PM
@9
"Starting the series on one platform, then switching to another company all together for the next installment would piss too many people off."
What do you think happened to the Final Fantasy franchise? FF didn't start on Playstation.
DeddyLger @ Sep 26th 2006 3:26PM
Am I the only one who hates final fantasy? While you guys are waiting for your ps3 and ff fix are u chillin in ur basement rolling dice listening to industrial music?
Wild Homes @ Sep 26th 2006 3:28PM
I only heard one person mention it, but I agree. it's got to be weird to be Sony, knowing that you want Final Fantasy very badly, and obviously you're leaning on Square-Enix to keep it in your corner, but the real must-have SE franchise is Dragon Quest. if Microsoft gains Dragon Quest, all bets in Japan are off. I'm sure Moore, Gates, and Allard would love to see Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, Valkyrie Profile, Grandia and the rest, and they'd all sell very well for the 360, but Dragon Quest is the big deal, because it and it alone of SE's products can represent a true way to open the japanese market.
Yoshi Likes Boys @ Sep 26th 2006 3:30PM
"How about Blue Dragon and the others? I think we'll see some 360's being sold in the next weekly report, after all the talk of them at TGS. $10 on it, any takers?"
Blue Dragon exists because Microsoft scratched a huge check to Mistwalker in a half-hearted attempt to lure a market that they have failed miserably in again and again. This is NOT a FF7 situation, and like Ninja Gaiden before it, any impact it has in the market will be marginal at best. Blue Dragon is the "token black guy" of the 360.
FSK405K @ Sep 26th 2006 3:32PM
Derbeste (#34), how did FFIII make DS sales spike, seeing how it is going to be released on Nov 14 and get lost in the Wii rampage? You mean in Japan, right? I won't expect that here--Wii!
Yoshi Likes Boys @ Sep 26th 2006 3:32PM
Wild Homes: Microsoft, plain and simply, can't afford to pay Squeenix what it would cost to secure exclusivity for Dragon Quest on an unproven platform with no Japanese install base.
crono141 @ Sep 26th 2006 3:36PM
"Am I the only one who hates final fantasy? While you guys are waiting for your ps3 and ff fix are u chillin in ur basement rolling dice listening to industrial music?"
yes... except that basement part. I roll my dice in the living room.
And I listen to Nightwish and Dragonforce, goth metal more than industrial.
And god, please lets not talk about FF7 on DS. FF5 and 6 are MUCH more deserving of a total conversion to 3D. Plus, FF7 has saturated the market already with spinoffs and whatnot. It needs to rest for a few years before we see more FF7 related stuff.
And a recent re-release of FF4 means nothing other than that the developers are already fully aware of the idiosyncracies and localization needs of dialog and plotline. It would be much EASIER for them to do ff4 first than 5 or 6.
6 I think is still my favorite all around, and the one I'd snatch up the quickest if pulled into the 3d realm.
Duscrom @ Sep 26th 2006 3:40PM
"After all, the only way Microsoft has any Japanese developers of any significance is by paying a couple of them off "
And.. you know.. nobody else in the industry has done that. Since sony has a sizeable share in Squeenix. And Sony did buy out Naughty Dog, and Insomniac...
To all who look at MS's 1st party games... take a look back at Sony's 1st party franchises from the PSX days. Most of Sony's big 1st party games started on the PS2, save for Gran Tourismo and maybe Twisted Metal.
FSK405K @ Sep 26th 2006 3:40PM
Does anyone have the figures to tell us whether it's possible to fit FF7 onto a DS flash? Let's see....3 CD-ROMs, or about 2400MB...2GB flash drives are $30 to $45 on pricewatch. Of course you can cut some of the video quality....and who knows what kind of limitations there are on DS flashes. Anyone?
FSK405K @ Sep 26th 2006 3:42PM
Considering that getting a sealed PS copy of FF7 costs at least $70, often more like $100, they could use whatever means necessary to make it fit onto a DS flash.
Wild Homes @ Sep 26th 2006 3:43PM
Yoshi: you mean a company that happily lost four billion dollars on the first Xbox can't afford to buy the rights to Dragon Quest? I'll give you that Microsoft can't just do it casually, or maybe that they can't do it without making the shareholders squirm, or that Microsoft would be forced to pay through the nose since as you pointed out they don't have a japanese presence, but Microsoft could, technically, BUY Square-Enix outright, if the board was so inclined.
Derbeste @ Sep 26th 2006 3:44PM
In reply to FSK:
Yes. I meant Japan. My whole theory goes off success in Japan.
My theory is whoever gets the most support in Japan will win globaly. If Square goes multi-platform, they will game the highest penetration rate in Japan. Therefore, that console will also get the most support from the other big hitters (Konami, Capcom, etc.). That will translate into the most big titles over sees as well.
As much as I want the Wii to win, IF (BIG IF) Square starts making games for the xbox, I can't even imagine how MS would NOT be #1 world wide.
-2 year head start
-Price advantage over PS3
-high penetration in japan because of DQ and FF alone
-high japanese support would follow
-They have CLEAR homefield advantage in the U.S.A. already (cuz of the 2 year headstart and price advantage again).
Seriously....IF (again BIG IF) square moves to xbox....can someone tell me how they could LOSE globally?
FSK405K @ Sep 26th 2006 3:43PM
Twisted Metal was a PS1 game....sold them like crazy.
moofree @ Sep 26th 2006 3:46PM
I'd like to see sqeenix release some more unreleased-in-america RPG classics for the DS with enhanced graphics.
Like Star Ocean 1, Dragon Quest 5 and 6 and Seiken Densetsu 3.
The recent Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker videos blew me away even more than FF3 did. The DS really can push out quality 3d graphics.
Wild Homes @ Sep 26th 2006 3:44PM
oh, and Sony also recently bought Guerrilla, don't forget.