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Let’s delve into the current state of Xbox and its relationship with Japanese publishers. Xbox has been making strides in winning over publishers from Japan, establishing itself as a serious contender in the gaming scene. However, there’s a notable gap in its collection, particularly when it comes to some big titles. Sure, the arrival of beloved franchises like Yakuza and Persona has been a hit on the Xbox platform, but there’s still a big hole where the mainline Final Fantasy titles should be. Fans are still waiting for entries like Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7, which remain PlayStation exclusives.

Recently, in a discussion with GamesRadar, there’s been a subtle hint that the iconic Final Fantasy 7 Remake might eventually make its way to Xbox, which would be exciting news for countless fans.

As we approach the end of 2024, the Xbox platform continues to enjoy success. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is smashing old engagement records, the timed exclusive STALKER 2 has hit a million in sales and expanded even further through Xbox Game Pass, and the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to dazzle players with its December release. Yet, not everything is perfect.

Hardware sales for Xbox have been on a downward trend, with a common online narrative highlighting a gap in its content lineup. Historical absentees in major franchises have left players yearning for more, despite improvements over the years. Games like Yakuza, Genshin Impact, and Persona have finally found homes on the ‘green team’, but for gamers who hold onto memories of certain titles, there are still conspicuous absences.

The ups and downs of the Final Fantasy franchise can’t be ignored. Over the years, inconsistent quality and diverse gameplay experiments have splintered its fanbase and diminished the rosy glow of nostalgia. Moreover, the franchise has typically been limited to single-platform releases, which hampers its stature in our algorithm-driven world. Conscious of this, Square Enix is now looking to embrace multi-platform development, with Xbox included in their plans. While Xbox players have enjoyed Final Fantasy 14 and the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, marquee titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and 16 are still absent. There’s a silver lining, though.

A recent interview on GamesRadar has strengthened the possibility of Xbox getting more Final Fantasy titles. Naoki Hamaguchi, the director behind Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has openly shared his admiration for Xbox while discussing Square Enix’s multi-platform ambitions.

Hamaguchi expressed a desire to expand the reach of the Final Fantasy 7 series, hinting at potential efforts to broaden access to these games. He emphasized the shift in the gaming industry towards a multi-platform reality, highlighting the various avenues available for gamers today. Hamaguchi, adding a personal touch, expressed his enjoyment of Xbox hardware, showcasing his own fondness for the platform.

Microsoft has certainly made progress in attracting publishers that previously overlooked Xbox, yet there’s still more to be done. Despite some promising gains, like STALKER 2’s timed exclusivity and high-profile platforms like Palworld, Xbox has missed out on major titles and trends too. However, notable achievements, such as bringing Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding to Xbox, remind us that Xbox is still a key player in the game.

Phil Spencer, Xbox’s CEO, has himself spoken about the increasing trend of Xbox games possibly venturing onto other platforms like PlayStation in the future. The drive for consumer attention has never been more competitive, and developers must leverage every possible channel to gain a foothold in today’s dynamic gaming landscape. While this may appear challenging for Xbox hardware sales, initiatives like Xbox Cloud Gaming could provide a boon, allowing for growth regardless of device.

The anticipation for popular Final Fantasy titles on Xbox is palpable, and perhaps it won’t be long before fans are diving into adventures in Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth on their consoles. Who knows, we might even get Square Enix to consider bringing back a turn-based Final Fantasy 17. Here’s hoping!

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