Final Fantasy XIII: 360 development starting after PS3 version
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Jul 14th 2008 at 11:45PM }
Final Fantasy XIII is currently being developed using Square Enix's "Crystal Tools" technology with the PC as base platform. "As we have already announced, we will complete the PS3 version in Japan," explained Hashimoto. "After that, we will start the localization for US and Europe." Once localization is underway, Square will begin development of the Xbox 360 version, with the aim of releasing it in America (with no meaningful content changes) alongside the localized PlayStation 3 version. "Because of languages and other conditions, it may not release in US and Europe simultaneously," noted Hashimoto.
Convenient summary: Final Fantasy XIII isn't coming out soon.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Fernando Rocker @ Jul 14th 2008 11:52PM
http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p236/fernando_rocker/?action=view¤t=AtomicBomb.jpg
=p
simmcity @ Jul 15th 2008 12:06AM
Fernando, I have a feeling this is just payback for you, for what Square Enix did to Nintendo with the Final Fantasy Series shifting to PlayStation Consoles.
eNrique @ Jul 15th 2008 12:37AM
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-square-enix-unveils-crystal-tools-engine/
look at the comments
Envoy X @ Jul 14th 2008 11:55PM
hehehe...This make me laugh a little inside...hehehe
klitorisaurus @ Jul 14th 2008 11:56PM
I'm over it.
Vegnagun bwf @ Jul 14th 2008 11:57PM
I'll probably just buy it on PS3. Cheers for those who own a 360 and don't have a PS3, though.
ThePerfectCompanion @ Jul 14th 2008 11:57PM
So basically Japan will have the game all to itself for months (hopefully NOT years) until the 360 version is ready to be released alongside the ps3 version in the rest of the world?
Sounds fine to me. However I'm assuming that they're going to make the game region specific otherwise there will be no stopping American and European ps3 owners from just importing the game.
The diehard FF fanboys that is...
Wow sony definitely just lost this generation of gaming...congrats everyone.
DeaconGTG @ Jul 14th 2008 11:59PM
Final Fantasy games have typically come out in NA/Europe months after Japan gets it, so that isn't anything new.
As long as the game doesn't get delayed due to a slow porting process to the 360, I'm happy. But if PS3 localization is done, release the damn thing already.
John McPoop (PSN:johnnynumber5) @ Jul 15th 2008 12:10AM
@Premature Asshat
PS3 owners can already import and play any PS3 game in the world. Unlike the Wii360 which uses region coding for protection of the media the PS3 and it's games are not region locked.
Since work will not start on the 360 version of FF13 until a later date I am going to assume that the PS3 version will release the same date or it will be a sub par port to the 360.
At this rate it won't be long until Microsoft starts buying up Sony's own exclusive IP's for total domination ... As far as next gen consoles of course
BPM [MKWii: 2578 3585 8392] @ Jul 15th 2008 12:10AM
Since they are using the PC as a base for the Crystal Tools engine, porting to the 360 shouldn't take that long (because they're so alike, mirite?). It probably shouldn't have any effect at all on the NA/EU releases.
As for why they don't want to do a Japanese 360 version... It probably would affect the Japanese launch, since the game isn't complete yet. The NA/EU translations only start after the Japanese version is complete, so the 360 port work will occur simultaneously.
ThePerfectCompanion @ Jul 15th 2008 12:25AM
Not really sure what you're ranting and raving about in regards to importing...
I already said all the shit you just mentioned.
However that's assuming that the game is Region FREE right dumbass?
On that note I'm not sure what Square Enix will do in that regards.
And yes the ps3 version will be inferior to the 360 version for one reason or another. However I think they will both look great graphically.
Enjoy 3rd place this generation asshole. Remember that karma is a bitch. Lil arrogant losers like yourself reap what you sow. You act like you're all big and bad and try to intimidate people to agreeing with you but guess what? You're NOT always right. In fact you're full of opinion 90% of the time.
So again LOL at you and your pathetic SDF. Another ps3 exclusive comes to the light side.
Now all the ps3 has is God of War 3 which will end up being God of War 2 with even flashier graphics, moar blood, more whores, and more Greek mythology.
I expect you, sony, and co to hype it up as much as possible of course...but we all know the truth.
Ninjakamster (PS360 FTW!) @ Jul 15th 2008 12:52AM
I can't believe you think acting like a "Microsoft" fanboy makes you so much better than the SDF, you are JUST as pathetic.
FF13 coming to the "light side"?
Wow, get a life my friend.
John McPoop (PSN:johnnynumber5) @ Jul 15th 2008 1:04AM
@Premature Asshat
*So basically Japan will have the game all to itself for months (hopefully NOT years) until the 360 version is ready to be released alongside the ps3 version in the rest of the world?*
At this point that is the million dollar question. Will the NA PS3 version be delayed so SE can finish the 360 port.
*However I'm assuming that they're going to make the game region specific otherwise there will be no stopping American and European ps3 owners from just importing the game.*
This goes back to my earlier point. The game can't be region locked on the PS3 because it is an open platform. So your idiotic rambling is not necessary in this situation.
*Not really sure what you're ranting and raving about in regards to importing...
I already said all the shit you just mentioned.
However that's assuming that the game is Region FREE right dumbass?*
Again the game can't be region locked on the PS3. This is what we like to call a fact. However, i don't expect you to do any homework on the subject because all your capable of is throwing out hyperbole in reference to the PS3.
*And yes the ps3 version will be inferior to the 360 version for one reason or another. However I think they will both look great graphically.*
It has to be inferior because SE did not build the game from the ground up for the 360. Capacity will also be an issue in regards to DVD. However, not that MS has installs I am sure you love them.
*Enjoy 3rd place this generation asshole. Remember that karma is a bitch. Lil arrogant losers like yourself reap what you sow. You act like you're all big and bad and try to intimidate people to agreeing with you but guess what? You're NOT always right. In fact you're full of opinion 90% of the time.*
This excerpt is especially idiotic because I actually own all three consoles. You have some gall to call anyone else on this site arrogant considering your track record and legacy of idiocy. Of course I am not always right but unlike you I actually base my opinion off experience and not out of an agenda.
Just so you know this is a blog and the only thing anyone here ever states is their opinion. I know thats a hard concept for you to follow but thats why this site exist. For people to give their opinions on the daily happenings of video games.
*So again LOL at you and your pathetic SDF. Another ps3 exclusive comes to the light side.*
You calling anyone else pathetic is laughable at best. Calling the side Microsoft is on the light side is being incredibly disingenious.
*Now all the ps3 has is God of War 3 which will end up being God of War 2 with even flashier graphics, moar blood, more whores, and more Greek mythology.*
Your right because after todays announcement Sony lost FF13 and FF VS ... HAHAHAHA ... idiot ... If you are worried about a lack of software you need to look no further than your Wii. Thats a pretty shallow library and it doesn't even have the multiplatform titles.
*I expect you, sony, and co to hype it up as much as possible of course...but we all know the truth.*
Because in your world on Sony fanboys hype up games. Idiot. Go buy yourself a clue because you are not only a M$ fanboy but also a a blind follower who will slurp all the shit thats hand fed to you.
if I actually owned stock in any of these companies I would care about sales numbers. However, it's not relevant because I have them all anyway. I don't have to align my self with 1 or 2 consoles because I can have all of them. The PS3 just happens to be my favorite system this generation. Next generation could be completely different because unlike yourself I base my opinion off actual experience and not my own badge of honor.
Mr.ESC @ Jul 15th 2008 1:15AM
First I want to clear something.
John I was pissed about what that other guy said about Tijuana and not what he said about the x360,again there isn't anything I haven't hear about the x360 and it is a inanimate object for crying out loud.
Now John calling Premier an “Asshat” over a console argument wow very mature John (I’m aware of the hypocrisy thinking about it).
Premier Assassin I don’t agree with the stuff you said but you don’t have to lower to John’s level.
To be honest I think the Ps3 version might be better since the whole FF13 thing was planned for it but it’s great that we are getting port and the transition from Pc to Xbox 360 is probably faster than Pc to PS3, that means we should get FF13 1 year after it’s release not bad considering all the JRPGs coming to the xbox360.
Either way FF is half cool CGI half: “OMG shut the hell up blonde guy, can’t we just get to the boss already? Oh Great another annoying character joined, oh a mayor character died, what? Why the Blonde character is still alive? Can’t we just kill him already? Oh great you killed the chick ,that turned my party into a sausage party now I’m seriously going to kill you Final Boss and I’m using all (Insert Over powered skill here) to PWN the shit out of you as cheap as it sounds” and finally another cool CGI making up for the gameplay making FF games the best ever.
John McPoop (PSN:johnnynumber5) @ Jul 15th 2008 1:31AM
@Mr.Esc
So you think he is stooping to my level? This is the same guy that has been banned at least two times (Wii60Warrior & PremierAssassain) in this year. The premature asshat is a long running joke in reference to him because thats exactly what he is and what he portrays.
I think you made this personal because of the previous mentioned thread today. Everything that guy said was 100% accurate and you just started talking shit and calling him all sorts of hateful names for no good reason. Don't come at me with this holy than thou attitude when you showed your true colors a few hours back.
If you want to align yourself with the premature asshat then so be it. Let it be known he gets what he deserves. He is getting back what he puts into this blog community.
Just because you are hispanic and the guy made fun of Tiajana doesn't give you carte blanch to rail on the guy and completely disregard the meat and potatoes of his argument. You are the one who made it personal. To deny those blatant issues just shows how much love you have for that inanimate object. I have nothing against you but you should expect to be called out when you post trash like earlier.
Take some of your own advice. If you think the guy was being irrational then don't stoop to his level and then make it a personal attack.
Mr.ESC @ Jul 15th 2008 2:04AM
I was going to call it a day but what the hell.
So you think he is stooping to my level? This is the same guy that has been banned at least two times (Wii60Warrior & PremierAssassain) in this year. The premature asshat is a long running joke in reference to him because thats exactly what he is and what he portrays.
R-Lulz.
I think you made this personal because of the previous mentioned thread today. Everything that guy said was 100% accurate and you just started talking shit and calling him all sorts of hateful names for no good reason. Don't come at me with this holy than thou attitude when you showed your true colors a few hours back.
R-Again tl;dr and fanboy arguments are all the same(Seriously It could be copypasta from SW).The Tijuana comment made explode, yeah I guess I took it too personal but still f*ck that guy.
If you want to align yourself with the premature asshat then so be it. Let it be known he gets what he deserves. He is getting back what he puts into this blog community.
R-You just got to love 1 man Crusades and like every Crusade it will all end in Fail, drama and maybe lulz. Well it seems that for saying that calling someone and asshat when he clearly didn’t do anything but be a fanboy (Unlike that other guy who was being a jerk and a fanboy) I’m in the Axis of evil with Premiere Assassin, Hitler, Barbara Streisand and Tim Allen but by the other hand we all could do an abridged series. I’ll do Death note, Awesome.
Just because you are hispanic and the guy made fun of Tiajana doesn't give you carte blanch to rail on the guy and completely disregard the meat and potatoes of his argument. You are the one who made it personal. To deny those blatant issues just shows how much love you have for that inanimate object. I have nothing against you but you should expect to be called out when you post trash like earlier.
R- You are not the avenger of the internet and that other guy totally deserves what I said and for a moment there wasn’t it fun? Also it isn’t trash talk if it ends to be true…Just saying.
For the way you put it, it seems anyone has the right to I don’t know make fun of the U.S or Norway (I have a friend in Norway) and make fun of as many ethnic groups as he or she (maybe it) wants as long as the argument is truthful even if it is about peanuts (By the way I checked it and he exaggerated some points).I don’t know you but that’s like masturbating during a PSA, it just gives the wrong message also this is a global world and the internet can be used by anyone so don’t tell me he didn’t know he could insult someone.
Hell I’m aware this text can be read by anyone who understands English or happens to have a good translating program (Not Babel).Dude put your priorities in order.
Hispanic huh that Word just reminds me of Asterix in Hispania.
Take some of your own advice. If you think the guy was being irrational then don't stoop to his level and then make it a personal attack.
R-Yeah but then again I’m not always in a good mood.
(Long text wall is loooooong)
BPM [MKWii: 2578 3585 8392] @ Jul 15th 2008 2:26AM
Actually, I've heard that PS3 games CAN be region locked (I believe an issue came up about this with John Woo's Stranglehold), just that most (if not all) publishers choose not to.
And even if you could import FF13 PS3... You'd still need to know Japanese to understand what's going on (for the most part).
Finally... "Asshat" is a dumb word. Whoever coined it is a total asshat.
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Jul 14th 2008 11:57PM
Damn so I guess this means we should expect FF13 in 2011.
Hala Madrid!! (Madrileno hasta la muerte!) @ Jul 15th 2008 12:12AM
Yes, when the new Xbox comes out with Blu-Ray included so we don't have to change discs.
Nah, just kidding
Mr.ESC @ Jul 15th 2008 12:59AM
Well if Ps3 owners can wait 1 more year for Bioshock I guess we can wait 1 year for FF or not I might have a Ps3 by then.
WiiFTW @ Jul 14th 2008 11:57PM
Oh noes, does this mean they'll rush it?
/still deciding whether to "Jump in" or buy PS3
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Jul 15th 2008 12:00AM
did you even read the article? They are developing the 360 version separately so they don't rush the game.
WiiFTW @ Jul 15th 2008 12:19AM
I dunno, I interpreted:
"'Because of languages and other conditions, it may not release in US and Europe simultaneously,'"
as referring to the 360 version.
As well as:
"with the aim of releasing it in America...alongside the localized PlayStation 3 version"
Dustin @ Jul 15th 2008 12:20AM
Jumping in costs $50
John McPoop (PSN:johnnynumber5) @ Jul 15th 2008 1:06AM
It's certainly worth the investment. It does so much functions and is very flexible and stable. Best console I have ever owned.
BananaBoat @ Jul 14th 2008 11:58PM
So they haven't even started on a PS3 or Xbox 360 version.... I'll see you guys in 2010
Sora @ Jul 15th 2008 12:05AM
They HAVE started a PS3 version. What, you think they actually made the games on the system of choice? Game Boy development would have been a b**ch if it worked like that.
I am a machineee @ Jul 14th 2008 11:59PM
Mmm, thanks a fucking lot Microsoft. Why not just give us each version when they are done.
reiji @ Jul 15th 2008 2:09AM
My thoughts exactly.
What's also sad is that Microsoft is basically buying the entire industry and developers are eating it right up. It's painfully obvious when you consider all the JRPG's that are going to 360 or even 360-exclusive, despite there being no 360 owners in Japan. Even in the US, JRPGs do pretty poorly on 360 since that's not the target audience.
Microswirl (MKWii:1676- 4270-3674) @ Jul 15th 2008 3:51AM
"JRPGs do pretty poorly on 360 since that's not the target audience"
What "target audience"? That's a self-fulfilling prophecy and makes no sense. If a company such as Microsoft operates under the assumption that its entire fanbase was made up entirely of FPS players, then that's all you'd ever get. On the other hand, if you release Music games, JRPGs, and family/party games for the system, you will expand the "target audience", thus creating a demand for more of those types of games. They're casting a wide net and it's working.
4MyFriends @ Jul 15th 2008 10:16AM
"RPGs do pretty poorly on 360 since that's not the target audience."
Lost Odyssey did very well, for your information.
Protip: Only Final Fantasy games tend to break a million in the US. The exceptions are oddly enough mostly Square-Enix titles anyway.
Jonny @ Jul 15th 2008 12:00AM
So if development is started on PC and the PC is the base.
I can has PC version?
Jeff @ Jul 15th 2008 12:10AM
That's what I'm crossing my fingers for.
Same with Resident Evil 5-- the devs said basically the same thing.
John McPoop (PSN:johnnynumber5) @ Jul 15th 2008 1:18AM
Makes to much sense
iofthestorm @ Jul 15th 2008 4:40AM
PC version would rock, but it's probably not going to happen, which is lame. But depending on whether I'm really bored and lacking in games to play (unlikely, PC and Wii keep me very busy) this might be enough to get me to buy a 360, if they make a $250 version by the time this comes out.
Ayrkain @ Jul 15th 2008 12:03AM
This is good for all RPG players. Yes, even us PS3 guys, though it stings right now. It really is good to introduce RPGs to more people and keep the genre popular. They cost lots of money to make, years of development time, and they have to make all that back. So be glad - this means it won't be the final Final Fantasy.
tmacairjordan87 @ Jul 15th 2008 12:17AM
I'm actually kinda sad it's not the last one because the series is really starting to get stale and boring. The last one that held my interest was 10 and that was what..8 years ago?
Square-Enix (I guess the Square part?) just doesn't have the magic they used to anymore when it comes to creating interesting stories, characters, and an overall world.
I'll keep an eye on 13, but right now it's way off my must have list.
Ayrkain @ Jul 15th 2008 12:23AM
It's true. There is a chance it will suck, but no moreso than any of the other stuff Square puts out. These things are like symphonies and until the pieces are all put together and in the players hands, no one really knows if they'll be good or suck hard. FFXII probably seemed really great to people inside SE, but it really just lacked a certain something that 7 and 10, to a lesser degree imo, had.
Geist @ Jul 15th 2008 2:10PM
Good lord you people liked FFX? Get out of my house.
Ayrkain @ Jul 15th 2008 2:38PM
And horror of horrors, I've played Dirge too. :P
napkindoodle @ Jul 15th 2008 12:06AM
If this is any indication of a possible PC version (good times with FF7 & FF8 on PC) then I welcome it!
Citanuzuki @ Jul 15th 2008 12:14AM
Sony's asshole is so big right now it makes goatse seem tight again.
Dustin @ Jul 15th 2008 12:18AM
Good. so say... 2010? Lol, my friend said the Square Enix guy sounded like he had a giant sack in his mouth.
juju187 @ Jul 15th 2008 12:47AM
sack of cash
Phillip @ Jul 15th 2008 12:21AM
"(with no meaningful content changes)"
Riiiiiight. And the game is a PS3 exclusive too. Things change over time and sounds like there will be plenty of it!
Josh @ Jul 15th 2008 12:29AM
Really, the PC is the base platform? How strange is that... And they're not even releasing a PC version of the game (just yet).
Mr.ESC @ Jul 15th 2008 1:02AM
Wait if the Pc is the main platform then wouldn't the transition to xbox 360 be faster than the transition from PC to PS3?
I know they started on the Ps3 first etc but then that means we could have the X360 version at 1 year after it’s release in Japan.
Josh @ Jul 15th 2008 1:10AM
wut
They're developing this game on Crystal Tools, some custom engine they made to work on PS3, 360, PC, and a little bit on Wii. So from what I can tell, they're developing FFXIII on PC, and from there, working out any kinks in the PS3 version.
After they release the PS3 version in Japan, they'll move the game from the PC to 360, work out any kinks in that version, do the localizations, and release the game worldwide on both platforms.
I'm just wondering why they don't also release a PC version. Well, I guess they will eventually, but since it's the base platform, that makes me wonder why the PC version is not going to be the first one released (alongside the PS3 version, at least).
Ridgecity @ Jul 15th 2008 1:19AM
because pc is doomed by piracy and with consoles they use the franchise as their "exclusivity" cash cow. Imagine how much money Microsoft put on the table for this game, for the main boss to appear at the Microsoft Press Conference, do that funny stunt, "I forgot to mention one game" and felt he could learn some english too in gratitude!
Mr.ESC @ Jul 15th 2008 1:21AM
What I meant is that if the FF Engine can be used for all platforms instead of just the PS3 then development of the x360 version should be faster than the PS3 development making the porting process quite faster.
Yeah I also wonder why there isn't a PC version like "Games for Windows" sort of thing .I mean now that you got it on Xbox 360 why not cover PCs as well?