In addition to announcing Final Fantasy 14’s next big expansion, Dawntrail, Square Enix confirmed that the MMORPG is coming to Xbox Series X/S. As a digital-only release, it will feature faster loading times and 4K support on the Series X with patch 6.5X receiving an open beta. Square Enix also promised improved support for Xbox going forward.
At the Final Fantasy 14 Fan Fest 2023, producer/director Naoki Yoshida was joined on stage by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. The latter stated (transcription via Gematsu), “What I appreciate about [Naoki Yoshida] and your team is you put the player at the centre of everything that you do. It couldn’t be more clear than watching your presentation today.
“At Xbox, we share a very similar spirit when it comes to our players. And we’re inspired by how you have made Final Fantasy 14 with [everyone] a global success, and we want to bring the Xbox community and your Warriors of Light together in a way that is safe, secure, and engaging—and above all, fun. And we also see this as a seminal moment in our relationship with [Square Enix] and the Final Fantasy team as we look to partner more closely together in the future.
“The entire Xbox team is excited to see how our newest Warriors of Light will use the full capabilities of Xbox Series X and Series S to help save Eorzea. And I’m excited to partner with you, Yoshida-san, and your studios as you bring this incredible franchise to global platforms to enable more players to connect and experience the joy of gaming together.”
Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu then appeared on stage to thank Spencer, noting, “This is a project that wouldn’t have been possible without [Phil’s] support. I think I can speak for myself, [Yoshida], and all of our Warriors of Light here watching the live stream when I say how excited I am to see Xbox support added, and for us to welcome countless new friends to the world of Final Fantasy 14. Final Fantasy 14 is only going to get bigger and better, so for all the Xbox gamers out there, I urge you to give Final Fantasy 14 a try.
“And one more thing, as CEO of Square Enix, we want to continue to deliver fabulous games to fans across the world, and of course, we want to welcome the Xbox community as well, starting with today’s announcement of Final Fantasy 14 coming in spring 2024, and whenever possible, we are planning to bring our games to Xbox for players around the world to enjoy. We’re looking forward to working closely with Phil and the Xbox team to make this possible.”
Yoshida added that he was “extremely thankful” and that the team was “committed to working with Xbox going forward.”
Aside from finally fulfilling the goal of bringing Square Enix’s MMO to Xbox, this display of support by Square Enix is interesting. Several of its high-profile titles, like the recently released Final Fantasy 16 and the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, are exclusive to PS5. One has to wonder how this affects its relationship with Sony (though Final Fantasy 16 is timed exclusive).
Nevertheless, it’s exciting because of the prospect of both coming to Xbox. We may even see Final Fantasy 7 Remake, available on PC, PS4 and PS5, finally coming to Microsoft’s platforms. As always, stay tuned for more details.
Final Fantasy 14, meanwhile, will see the release of Dawntrail in Summer 2024.