Understanding the current landscape in gaming, Xbox has certainly made strides in securing support from Japanese publishers, though there’s still more to be desired. Series like Yakuza and Persona have found their home on Xbox, gaining traction among players. However, notable absences such as Final Fantasy 16 and the much-coveted Final Fantasy 7 Remake persist, sticking with their PlayStation exclusivity.
As 2024 draws to a close, Xbox finds itself in an enviable position, celebrating milestones that include Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 shattering engagement records and STALKER 2 achieving a impressive sales mark, boosted by its availability on Xbox Game Pass. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, slated for a December release, is also generating significant excitement. Yet, there are areas where improvement is needed.
Despite these victories, Xbox hardware sales face downward trends, often attributed to a perceived content void. While the inclusion of franchises like Yakuza, Genshin Impact, and Persona has helped, there’s a sentiment among long-standing fans that the absence of the iconic Final Fantasy series leaves a gap. The influence of Final Fantasy has waned due to uneven game quality and shifts in gameplay direction, alongside the tendency for titles to be restricted to a single platform. This lack of ubiquitous access challenges its standing in a highly competitive market. Publisher Square Enix is aware of this and has committed to a shift towards multi-platform releases, including Xbox. Titles like Final Fantasy 14 and the Pixel Remaster series indicate progress, yet the wait continues for FF7 Remake and FF16.
In a recent chat with GamesRadar, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, expressed a desire to make the FF7 series available to as many fans as possible, hinting at a multi-platform future. Hamaguchi emphasized the industry’s shift towards diverse gaming platforms and gave a nod to Xbox, personally endorsing the console’s quality.
Microsoft has been diligent in expanding its appeal to publishers traditionally hesitant about Xbox. However, notable 2024 releases like Black Myth Wukong and Stellar Blade haven’t yet embraced the platform. Despite the delay in joining the Genshin Impact trend, Xbox recently showcased its savvy with the timed-exclusive release of STALKER 2 and securing Death Stranding from PlayStation’s grip.
As the industry gravitates towards a multi-platform model, with Xbox CEO Phil Spencer acknowledging the possibility of more games launching on PlayStation, the pressure to secure player engagement is intense. While this trend might hint at a dip in hardware sales, innovations like Xbox Cloud Gaming—which now includes buy-to-own options—promise sustained value for developers and gamers alike.
In anticipation, the hope is for Final Fantasy 7 Remake and its sequels to eventually make their way to Xbox. Maybe even a classic turn-based approach in future titles might rekindle the charm for fans. With Xbox hardware usage hitting new heights, there’s optimism that Square Enix’s offerings will soon be part of the Xbox story.
Meanwhile, Black Friday deals are making waves with considerable savings across the board from Best Buy to Amazon. Whether it’s gaming, tech, or any other interests, there’s something for everyone this year.
