Square Enix: 360 FFXIII development hasn't begun

  • By Hirohiko Niizumi, GameSpot
  • Posted Aug 2, 2008 3:10 pm PT

Director Motomu Toriyama and Tetsuya Nomura reveal they're focused the PS3 edition of the anticipated role-playing game--and haven't yet received dev kits from Microsoft.

TOKYO--Today at its DK Sigma3173 Event, Square Enix made a series of announcements, including revealing the March release of a Final Fantasy XIII demo. However, those on hand were also impressed by a video shot by series designer Tetsuya Nomura which offered some raw behind-the-scenes insights into the game's development.

The video started off with an inside look at Square Enix's internal studio and its overall development environment. However, the scene quickly switched to a meeting where developers spoke bluntly about Final Fantasy XIII in general--and the Xbox 360 version in particular. The game's announcement was a major surprise at the E3 Media & Business Summit last month, where producer Yoshinori Kitase held a roundtable--but left many questions unanswered.

In the video, director Motomu Toriyama didn't beat around the bush when Nomura asked him questions about the 360 FFXIII. Starting off, he reconfirmed that, "We haven't changed the direction of the development. We're making the PS3 version first, and then porting to the 360 later." That means that since the game will be released simultaneously on both platforms in North America and Europe, the PS3 release will be held back in those territories until the 360 version is complete.

Furthermore, Toriyama also revealed that, as of July 29, his team hasn't yet received the tools needed to begin work on the Xbox 360 version of FFXIII. "I'm telling them to not think about the Xbox 360 right now," he said. "We can think about it after the development kits arrive."

The director also reassured PS3 owners that the game's quality would not suffer due to the 360 port. "We aren't going to change any specifications [of FFXIII] because of the multi-platform announcement," he declared. "Right now, we're fully concentrating on the PS3 version."

Nomura and Toriyama also debunked rumors that a PC version of FFXIII is in development. They explained the confusion arose from a misunderstanding when producer Yoshinori Kitase mentioned at E3 that Square Enix is working on a PC project. "We've always been developing on PCs," laughed Nomura. "In fact, I've been doing so since Final Fantasy VI."

Judging by the video, development on FFXIII seems to be in full swing, and the remaining character designs are on schedule to be finalized in October. The voice cast has already been chosen, and it will be partially announced at the 2008 Tokyo Game Show, also in October.

Unfortunately, a playable FFXIII demo is unlikely to be at TGS 2008, which is Japan's biggest game expo. In the video, the developers openly complained when talking about the bonus demo disc that'll come with the Blu-ray disc of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children in March. Considering how long it takes to mass produce it onto Blu-ray discs, Square Enix must finish the demo by December in order to ship it out with the computer-animated film.

Luckily, the wait looks like it will be worth it, as Toriyama promised the demo will be quite large. Though he didn't divulge many details, he mentioned that the demo takes place a little bit before the game's current trailers, with a vast and complex three-dimensional map.

1126 Comments

  • king_chapeton15

    Posted May 15, 2009 5:20 pm PT

    if this game uses the full ,power for the ps3 imagine how bad its gonna suck on xbox360

  • zungerman090

    Posted Feb 13, 2009 3:31 am PT

    Sad? Have some compassion dude. Xbox dudes didn't know what they were missing. Now this thing is going to hit PS 3 and Xbox 360. Should be pretty happy bout that.

  • Xenoxion

    Posted Jan 16, 2009 1:15 am PT

    It's sad that Square is making FF XIII for the 360 when it has been an exclusive for playstation for so long time.

  • Squall101

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 2:50 am PT

    it would have been ok for FF13 to be on the 360 if Microsoft didn't go and make deals with companies for exclusive games.. there will be no Ace Combat 6 for the PS3 !! no Star Ocean for the PS3 !! .. isn't it enough that PS3 owners can't play great games like halo 3 and gears of war 2 ?

  • grimskunkMGS4

    Posted Oct 13, 2008 6:37 pm PT

    Ozzie234 you sound as if you dont even know what your talking about, wait till the game is out before insisting that the ever so powerfull Xbox will preveil as it wont last longer then 5 6 years and thenn stop making games for its console, as everyone still hasent notice microsoft doesnt care about its consumer, it cares about the consumer wallet HA

  • kothos

    Posted Sep 27, 2008 10:41 am PT

    Gotta put my two cents in here. To the PS3 camp: settle down people, you are STILL GETTING the game, it's not like it's MOVING to the XBOX 360 and not coming to the PS3 at all. Just because it releases on the XBOX 360 as well as the PS3 won't dull your experience of playing the game, it just means that more people will get to enjoy this great work of art.

    Also, console loyalty is only an illusion and a farce. Game makers have never, ever, EVER been so loyal to their fans that they would pass up the chance to get more money. So I just don't understand why consumers have to *claim* that they are loyal to one console maker or another. Guys it's entertainment, not a life and death scenario.

    Game companies are a business and have to make money just like anyone else. They will release the game on anything that'll get them money.

    That's all I've got to say about that.

  • kiramasaki

    Posted Sep 6, 2008 9:12 pm PT

    well considering the 360 version is only a port, and no addition sits fine with me

  • epyon346

    Posted Sep 6, 2008 3:42 pm PT

    Look, the fact of the matter is that the PS3 is not pulling its weight. The PS3 market in the U.S. (and Japan for that matter) is crap. The number of consoles out there is just not enough for them to be making the kind of money they want for releasing a game that's going to cost them a lot of money. The reality of the situation here is that Microsoft has a much, much larger audience here in the U.S., and Square Enix are not blind. The men in charge there know where the U.S. gaming money is, and right now that's the 360.

  • nanaki21

    Posted Sep 5, 2008 10:34 pm PT

    I have to say that I am not impressed at all at Square's decision to port to the 360. It should have stayed with Sony, but as we know, Microsoft can't pull their own weight so they just throw money at Sony's developers so they can steal all their games. The only thing that really really irritates me is the fact that because of Microsoft I am forced to wait longer because they want a simultaneous release. To me that makes no sense, It's Sony's exclusive for many many years and still is, so they should be releasing it to the ps3 first to show respect for their long time followers, but no, they have to release at the same time, thanks Microsoft, for your sleazy tactics, we all know your feeding tons of money everyone's way. Watch out Microsoft, Apple just might bite you in the ass.

  • Tiestotaku

    Posted Sep 2, 2008 7:06 am PT

    honest to goodness i'm not a fanboy, but this leaves a bad taste in my mouth for some reason.

  • finalfantasy23

    Posted Sep 1, 2008 4:26 pm PT

    whatttttttttt hell men rekame final fantasy VII-2 for ps3 or final fantasy VIII-2

  • Kvain

    Posted Sep 1, 2008 3:34 pm PT

    Gotta say, I'm excited about a Final Fantasy for 360.

  • Counterpart0

    Posted Aug 29, 2008 1:39 pm PT

    I noticed they said the voice cast has already been chosen, is that the Japanese voice cast or English? I'm guessing Japanese since it was announced at the Tokyo Game Show. If the English voice cast has not been chosen yet, wouldn't the U.S. & Europe have to wait for the release of an English translated version of Final Fantasy XIII anyway? Much like we did for Final Fantasy XII?

  • FLYEboi50

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 8:25 am PT

    WOW take another one of our games. 1st they took gta, prince of persia, and now one of the best types of rpgs in a lifetime, Final Fantasy. This also means that the original release date is going to be pushed back a lot because they gotta take another maybe 4 to 6 months just to make the 360 version a simotaneous release date. Someone is sneaking money under the table here & i dont like it. > PS3 has like no more bragging rights. 360 ppl brag about Halo too much anyways. Seriously if we bought Halo from them they would have a cow. And just when PS3 has its own games not to copy off of or anything MS jus buys it like a brand new toy. The PS3 version of XIII should be released first like Unreal Tournament. SUCKER PUNCH & Konami games are all we have now. LAST STATEMENT: IF MICROSOFT TAKES SLY COOPER FROM US IM GOING TO BE PISSED OFF.

  • tu2pac

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 8:14 am PT

    For those who think Square-Enix "betrayed" Sony ... read my blog :-)

  • Kitsukage

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 5:19 pm PT

    Go figure, its hinging on Microsoft.. I'm fine with it being on the 360 as well; at least the PS3 isn't losing out on a potentially awesome game, but dammit, it really bugs me that the game will be held back in its release, just because Microsoft are being snails with Dev Kits. Though I'm glad they're trying to not let it get to them, and focusing on the version they can develop for, its just a major pain to the fans, who have already been waiting ages for the game, as it is.

    On top of that, I'm happy the game isn't going to suffer, because of the port, as well. I just hope that it doesn't hurt the experience players will have, should any problems occur with setting it to disks, for the 360 Version. (I've heard at least one other game had issues with disks?)

    Anyway, please do not reply, going "OMG PS3 FANBOY ALERT!" because you're far from being right, despite the fact that the only Current Generation console I have is the PS3. (not everyone can afford everything, kids)

    Both consoles have their good unique qualities; its just the 360's don't really shine for me, as a gamer. That, and I don't mind S-E porting to the 360, so long as the PS3 still gets it, and Microsoft don't hinder its release, which will likely happen, unfortunately..

    @ rpgisforme: I'm actually looking forward to all of the FFXIII titles; specifically seeing as Versus and Agito look to be prequels to FFXIII.

    @ MattTheGiant: Britain is in no way a copycat of the US. The government may copy, but the people sure as hell don't. For example, you don't see UK police shooting the crap out of a suspect, just because they stole an old lady's handbag..

  • rpgisforme

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 4:26 am PT

    It really doesn't matter if the 360 gets it or not as long as PS3 is still getting it. Just a little ticked off that my version is gonna be held back a little longer so they can port it to the 360, but then PS3 owners can still rejoice in the fact that FF versus 13 is still a PS3 exclusive. If that matters to anyone I don't know, .. I just wanna play my game! I've been waiting so long ...

  • chiggins28

    Posted Aug 14, 2008 1:49 pm PT

    seriously, how do you bully someone with money? i'm sick of people flaming MS because they use more money in their negotiations. that's the stupidest thing i've ever heard. people LIKE money, that's why they accept it. i wouldn't expect any of you to know anything about business, but MONEY IS EVERYTHING. now if you jaded fanboys can't accept that, you need to grow up already.

  • painpas

    Posted Aug 14, 2008 12:25 pm PT

    I've said this before as a owner of both systems. Hardware wise PS3 all the way. Not a hitch since I've owned the original 60gig though I got it used. 360 RROD once. More features out the box. No hidef video disc format. Lacks built in wifi. When I got mine no HDMI. Had to buy battery chargers for wireless controllers. Had to buy the WIFI adapter. Games wise 360 is not bad but too many shooters and too many overhyped games the only games that are truly great IMO are COD4, oblivion, Mass Effect, and Bioshock. Halo way overated and Gears I don't even remember what that game was about the graphics were good though. I liked Halo1 and that got me pumped for the sequels and they were not bad by any stretch but were just more of the same. Bioshocks atmosphere was gripping and never let go. Mass effect I felt tech issues were annoying but overall was not disappointed with it graphically nor gameplay wise. Gears was too restrictive in gameplay. hiding all the time. hardly any run and gun no jump button just felt like they were holding me back from doing what I wanted beat the game in a day and multiplayer I liked for a bit then everyone just started to chainsaw each other and I loved that by the way. All in all I like both systems but the 360 is in no way this unstoppable system it is the most hyped system. PS3 bang for your buck. You get what you pay for. The thing is that when I first got the 360 and their like make it your own and all this I've found that that is clearly only directed to the exterior the dashboard is not easily customized. The PS3 as the PSP are and there are some great themes and guides to make them. I like both but the PS3 is my system of choice in hardware and games cause I have not really bought any more shooters since my 360 days. I like ratchet and Uncharted folklore and stuff like that. I like the games for the PS3 more though Fable 2 is mine if Fallout3 doesn't consume my time.

  • BrianX94

    Posted Aug 12, 2008 9:30 pm PT

    hey lord kantor... wii also has WLAN and has web browser and is not just for non gamers... i love the wii cuz it has games like medal of honor and motion sensor u obviously havnt played more than wii sports if thts wut u think of the wii

  • MattTheGiant

    Posted Aug 12, 2008 4:08 am PT

    Microsoft = Nazis
    Sony = Great Britain Nintendo = RSPCA

    MS uses forceful tactics (e.g. their unlimited supply of pennies) to take franchises and achieve what they must, even if it upsets their own people, they persist. Sony is the copier, they copy things, somewhat like Great Britain copies America, but it still has it's own merits that make it shine. Nintendo is the RSPCA, because the company is full of high, delusional, probably animal loving weirdos. I mean, wtf is the Wii all about? And Nintendogs for that matter, that's not a game, it's a waste of time!

    Btw, my 2 favourite consoles are the 360 and Wii, so that ain't exactly biased is it [whoever it is that is gonna reply saying I'm a PS3 fanboy], seeing as I've written the most positive stuff about Sony.

  • BLuFAlc0n

    Posted Aug 11, 2008 4:38 pm PT

    @ps3thabest

    I never just said for 30-ish, I also said 'Kind of for everyone'
    I'm not even 30 and I own a PS3, Wii, all nintendo's, all sony's(except ps2+psp), no xbox or xbox360, but played on them

  • marginalvalue

    Posted Aug 11, 2008 3:34 pm PT

    the way Hirohiko does this piece it certainly seems like hes putting an anti 360 spin on it. i have seen this in other gamespot articles as well. stop showing bias or call yourselves a ps3 website gamespot.

  • Ozzie234

    Posted Aug 11, 2008 11:03 am PT

    @Cheesefreak33

    Yes, and the anti-aliasing will be better on the 360. As always.

  • Cheesefreak33

    Posted Aug 11, 2008 5:26 am PT

    FF XIII uses the Crystal Tools engine, which was built to and does work perfectly well on both the PS3 and XBOX 360.

    The only differences in anything you'll get will come in with specifics in Anti-Aliasing and post processing that each system does differently.

    I don't know why anyone would worry that it's going to suffer on the 360.

  • Anthony414

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 1:01 pm PT

    @cpt_caven, Uh I got a 360 partly because it has and will be getting more rpgs in the foreseeable futur. IU, the last remnant, fable 2, too human (if it doesnt suck), tales of vesperia, all these games will be available before xmas on 360. If you're a hardcore RPGer there is no point in buying a ps3 over a 360 yet. I would've gotten a ps3 for FF but now I don't need to. You see I wait until the games out on the system before buying. It just so happens the 360 had other games I wanted already released and a bunch of other games I want are coming out before xmas now. If you like rpgs the 360 is the console to have for now. The reason why MGS4 sold ps3s for example was because other ppl who buy like me waited for the game before buying a ps3 because that game alone can justify for some the purchase of the system. There's no point in buying the system before and spend your time waiting. You'll probably get a better deal on it if you wait too.

  • ps3thabest

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 12:22 pm PT

    @BLuFAlc0n what? im not 30, and i have a ps3 all kind of people buy ps3.

  • LegendaryGamer0

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 12:06 pm PT

    Why do I have a very bad feeling that the Xbox 360 version is going to suffer?

    And to those in a "Heated Debate" down there,you're probably about 3 comments away to going from debate to flame war...no offense intended...

  • LegendaryGamer0

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 12:06 pm PT

    Why do I have a very bad feeling that the Xbox 360 version is going to suffer?

    And to those in a "Heated Debate" down there,you're probably about 3 comments away to going from debate to flame war...no offense intended...

  • ShaneJoshua

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 4:52 am PT

    I can't understand the fanboy stuff but maybe it's because I'm older. Ever since I started playing videogames I have never perferred one oever the other. I wanted a Mega Drive(Genisis) so my mum got me a SNES but I loved both of those machines. I had a N64 but loved the PS. I had a Gamecube and PS2 and appreciated the Xbox. I have a PS3 and would gladly buy and XBOX 360 for Halo 3, GOW and Fable 2. It is a shame in one way that FFXIII has gone to the Xbox 360 becuase it's like Jordan moving to the Wizards, it doesn't feel right, however we live in a time where games developement is huge and its all about the dollar signs so companies are going multi format. I think more of you guys should be open to gaming experiances. I'd never pass up the chance to play a game on a rival console because it is a rival console.

  • Anthony414

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 3:13 am PT

    Console exclusive then Kantor. Anyway another ps3 fanboy looking for crums on the side as arguments. Ps3 is for brand oriented consumers who don't think before they buy if you want as well. I'm not brand loyale I change products from gen to gen pretty easily if they don't keep up and Sony hasn't kept up the pace. They started late and they are getting games late. All it has is blu-ray to me which I might invest in someday but not for now. Also Sony can't get GoW or halo cuz the IPs belong to MS and not the developers. Like MS cant get GT or God of War.

  • ldobbie

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 1:01 am PT

    re: corruptgamerGX

    you wanna cite some sources on that?

    i dunno. just an idea. i don't know that proof is asking a question nobody but executives at square could answer. what makes your theory not one large bag of "LIES!!!!" ? or rather, "UNFOUNDED SPECULATION!!!"

    unrelated, i actually straight up don't get console loyalty. all companies want your money and nothing more. it's not like square just wants to make you happy by putting out a disc you can obsess over for 80 hours or whatever, and give you a sense of fulfillment by sticking with one system. i mean, game development teams are so bloated compared to what they used to be now that you know they need to recoup more expenses when game budgets are at movie budget level. so i wouldn't think that it would take microsoft's pressure to get them to go multi-platform.

    re: "BLuFAlc0n" : lol.. you smoking crack? "wii has best gameplay" uhh.. if you like movie licenses? and like the 10 major nintendo franchise sequels that will be released over it's lifespan? i dunno, maybe you just look for something else in a game. ps: 360 and ps3 graphics are actually like.. the same. like you can't distinguish multi-plat games like you could with ps2 and xbox. when it comes to exclusives, that's all on the developer.

  • Lord_Kantor

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 12:56 am PT

    Anthony414 "Hey a lot of games arent staying 360 exclusives, like bioshock for example."

    Bioshock never was an exclusive- it was on PC.
    Most 360 'exclusives' are on PC as well, which doesn't really make them exclusive. Microsoft is more interested in money than any kind of loyalty.
    Even if they have to spend more money than they get back- How much do you think they paid for FF?
    A same-date release of GTA4?
    Assassin's Creed?

    All meant to be PS3 exclusives (to begin with, with delayed 360 launch like with Bioshock but the opposite)

    Everybody who says sony is greedier, have they made ANY attempt to get Halo or Gears of War? No.

    Also, Blufalcon-

    I want to agree with you but I won't. Firstly, cool people do not play the Wii, old people play the wii. 7-year olds play the Wii, and people who could stand playing a game where you pick somebody's nose with motion sensing play the Wii

    Impatient people play the 360. Greedy people play the 360. Rich people play the 360, fanboys play the 360, and some people with some taste play the 360. Oh, and Chuck Norris plays the 360: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1340/1411976744_04811041d7.jpg

    But the PS3 is played by awesome people, people with MORE taste, people between the ages of 11 and 30, who can appreciate gaming properly without wildly waving a remote about or shooting Covenant 15 hours a day. People who like good graphics and good gameplay and don't want a million amazing games within a year of release.

    Also waving a controller around like a hyperactive monkey while shaving people is NOT my idea of good gameplay. The Wii does so well because it appeals to non-gamers, who have never touched a console before. Gameplay goes between 360 and PS3, 360 has online and game range, PS3 has graphics and blu-ray. Oh, and built in WLAN and a better menu and an internet browser, etc. etc.

    Well, Nintendo will win the 7th Gen like Sony won the 5th and 6th, but that won't sway my choice at all.

  • cpt_caven

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 10:36 pm PT

    I think it's too late, most hard-core RPGers have already got PS3/happy with PS2 to pick up a 360 just because it has this game. and FF is at least to me a hard-core RPGers game.

    (maybe this is just a guess but I'd think most FF fans are sony fanboys)

    -Caven

  • CorruptGamerGX

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 10:08 pm PT

    Ton77 According to N4G.com MS diddnt buy out SE. SE chose 360 because it is so successful

    Lies, all LIES!!!!. Everyone knows M$ paid SE for FFXIII. Want proof? Why is there no Japanese 360 version if SE chose Xbox 360 because of it being so successful?

    Doesn't really matter since 360 fanbabies will NOT be getting the demo or Versus XIII. The US 360 version is just SE's way of making easy money off pampered gamers.

    One more thing... ALL PS3 games are region free. North Americans and Europeans can easily import the game from any region.

  • Ton77

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 6:09 pm PT

    According to N4G.com MS diddnt buy out SE. SE chose 360 because it is so successful

  • Anthony414

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 5:29 pm PT

    Blufalcon. The clockrate of a gpu isn't the only performance factor. Hell if processors never became more efficient per clockcycle we'd have stuff running at bigillion ghz which would just blow up anyway. Stealing exclusives? Sony lost too much of its consumer base this generation for most third party games to remain exclusive. Games have gotten just too expensive to make for just one system, especially when both systems are so close in performance. Hey a lot of games arent staying 360 exclusives, like bioshock for example. I dont think microsoft went to S-E with just cash as their only argument. Square making the white engine cross platform was already a sign that they were thinking about it. Bill Gates may be a little too shrewd of a businessman to some but it's not entirely without merite. Besides he's not the one in charge of entertainment and devices division at microsoft last time I checked.

  • Anthony414

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 4:50 pm PT

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD

    I also didnt hear carmack mention anything about downgrading 360 graphics. On the contrary he even mentioned that the game could've been out sooner on 360 if they didnt have to wait for the ps3 version to release it. He even thinks simultaneous releases on both systems generaly benefit the ps3 because most 3rd parties developers need to work harder and longer to get the same result as on the 360, thus delaying the game's release. Shredder...you are an idiot!

  • DA_SHREDDER

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 4:21 pm PT

    Im not worried at all about this game going to the 360. Its being made for the ps3 first. I actually feel bad for anyone that will get the 360 version. I know its gonna be gimped compared to the ps3 version because of disc royalties, compression issues, and everyone getting the rrod from playing this game too much.

  • battlestar_555

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 4:15 pm PT

    Guys!! fanboys!! whatever.... jeez... i thought PS3 and 360 and Wii were designed to entertain people not to split the cults up and starting a pointless arguement on which is better.... Wii is for the family!!
    360 is for those with a budget and exclusives.... PS3 is a top of the range spec machine for living room entertainment

    but you what? PC blows them all out of the water.... internet... exclusives.... blu ray player.... better graphics.... updates.... best multiplayer at there....

    so why bicker over the three consoles when they forgot to include the PC into the arguement? i know why..... cos your afraid to admit that PC is better for entertainment......

    Grow up guys!!!!

  • sirzepp

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 4:06 pm PT

    Awesome interview with John Carmack.

  • Anthony414

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 3:46 pm PT

    Actualy shredder a DL-DVD can hold about 8.5gb and FFXIII doesnt necessarily have to be a full blu-ray in size to be a good game. It'll probably be 4-5 dvds and with the option to install on the hard drive it probably won't struggle anymore than ps3 with loading times. Plus somehow so many ps3 games need installations in order to run. MGS4 is a pain in the ass if you want to have fun going back to key moments in the game in different chapters. Anyway all I'm saying is that HD console owners will all get to have fun playing FFXIII and given the video marginalvalue posted I'm rly not worried about FFXIII taking too long to port to the 360. I'm also not worried about a difference in quality either. And yes I'm still fit enough to get off my couch every 8-10 hours of gameplay in order to change disks if need be.

  • breakitapart

    Posted Aug 9, 2008 11:15 am PT

    marginalvalue
    Thanks for the link! It is refreshing to hear straight talk from a developer who doesn't try to sugar coat the facts surrounding the limitations of the PS3.

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