Final Fantasy 7 Remake launched on PlayStation 4 as a timed exclusive in 2020, but nearly 3 years later, and the game is still noticeably missing from Xbox consoles. As of December 2021, the game is no longer limited to PlayStation, however, as fans can now try the title on PC before the release of FF7 Rebirth in Winter 2023.
The competition between PlayStation and Xbox has been an ongoing subject in the gaming industry, and it’s unlikely to stop any time soon. The two platforms have been trying to obtain more users by offering exclusive titles, meaning many players who can only buy one console may have to consider if they prefer PS5’s or Xbox Series X’s games libraries. While each library has its own strengths, Sony usually reaches agreements with Square Enix regarding its games’ exclusivity, like Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
According to TheGamer, Microsoft claims that Sony is preventing the release of several popular games on Xbox consoles, which includes Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The information comes from Microsoft’s response to the UK’s CMA after Sony’s protest regarding the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Microsoft, in turn, tries to defend itself by pointing out that Sony has a stronger lead in the console market due to its extensive exclusive games library, despite the number of companies, like Bethesda, that Microsoft has recently acquired.
Besides preventing Xbox fans from playing FF7 Remake and INTERmission before FF7 Rebirth’s release, the exclusion agreement has also stopped Bloodborne, Final Fantasy 16, and the Silent Hill 2 remake from appearing on the console. Although the exclusion’s duration for each game is not specified, it can continue indefinitely. After all, Bloodborne and Final Fantasy 7 Remake have been out for some years, and yet the two titles are still unavailable on Xbox.
It is unclear why Square Enix decided to limit their player base by accepting the exclusion clause. However, there is a chance that future Final Fantasy titles may not appear on Xbox, especially because Square Enix has confirmed FF7 Rebirth to be a PS5 Exclusive. While it may be possible that the game may be out on PC, it seems likely that FF7 Rebirth could be unavailable on Xbox. Still, one thing is sure Final Fantasy 7 Remake will not be released on Xbox due to Sony’s arrangement with Square Enix.
Source: TheGamer, PlayStation/YouTube
