Final Fantasy XIII to sell 6 million - Square Enix

CEO Yoichi Wada predicts huge sales of JRPG, China expansion will help publisher's profits double in 3-5 years; DQIX ships 4 million.

Square Enix has embarked upon an aggressive approach in expanding its operations. Known mostly for its niche line of Japanese role-playing games, Square Enix has taken steps to flesh out its catalogue by purchasing British publisher Eidos, as well as signing a handful of Western studios, such as Gas Powered Games, Wargaming.net, and Double Helix to development deals.

Square Enix is nearly assured a healthy return on FFXIII.

As part of a Reuters Japan report translated by GameSpot, Square Enix plans to more heavily target China's online gaming market, in addition to the West. According to CEO Yoichi Wada, the move will help Square Enix double its recurring income over the next three to five years to ¥50 billion ($554 million). Currently, the Japanese company expects to bring in ¥25 billion ($277 million) for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, having set a company best in the metric with ¥26.2 billion ($290 million) in 2007.

One of the biggest profit drivers, of course, will be Square Enix's highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy XIII. As part of the interview, Wada said that he expects the game to ship more than 6 million units worldwide. The Japanese executive also noted that Dragon Quest IX has shifted 4 million units domestically since its launch on the DS in July. Square Enix has yet to indicate a release window for the West.

Final Fantasy XIII will ship for the PlayStation 3 as a stand-alone product, as well as part of a ceramic-white PS3 Slim bundle in Japan on December 17. The game is expected to arrive in North America and Europe on the Xbox 360 and PS3 in spring 2010.

322 Comments

  • obsidianzero

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 3:54 pm PT

    I've been following FF since the first one was forced upon me way back when... and as much as a north american could, (give or take a fan-translated rom of ff5) I was getting every one of em... other than the online ones... ff8 almost drove me away from ff.. but I kept getting em out of habit more than anything.. and hope... 9 was good... 10 was ... well.... The combat was nice. 1.. LOVED It! NO FRIGGIN BADLY DONE ROMANTIC STUFF..... ... but form what I've seen of 13... the combat looks ot have promise.. and the romantic scene I've seen actually looks... like it might not be bad...! SO my hopes are up! I'll be getting a copy, and playing with cautions optimism....!

  • Maim00

    Posted Oct 9, 2009 9:01 pm PT

    Soo.. everyone with a ps3 will buy the game?

  • BlazingSpeed

    Posted Oct 9, 2009 8:35 pm PT

    (Remembers Final Fantasy the Spirits Within) Square walked away from what was good in favor of what sells a long time ago Buying up other IP's and shoving out the same crap with Bible Black cosplay and trans sexual women while appealing to the bootleg capital of the world ain't gonna do it.

    "If it ain't broke don't fix it" Or "Better improve it before someone else does" With the Wii fad coming to a close and the 50+% percent failure rate of the 360 and Sony's lack of games situation the next few years of the video game industry are gonna be very interesting indeed.

  • SUPA_GLUSTEE

    Posted Oct 8, 2009 4:08 pm PT

    all the final fantasys past 10 sucks

  • FF_fan2004

    Posted Oct 4, 2009 6:39 am PT

    Brilliant! Now I need to save up for a PS3 even if it kills me. Long Live Final Fantasy!

  • mshake0329 posted Oct 3, 2009 3:22 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    mshake0329

    Posted Oct 3, 2009 3:22 pm PT (hide)

    Final fantasy stopped getting good after 9.

  • PuppetMaster786

    Posted Oct 3, 2009 7:12 am PT

    just plain awesome

  • flyingteddy

    Posted Oct 3, 2009 5:49 am PT

    @Lisandro_v22,
    I had read that they managed to read the blu ray disc, but i dont think anymore than that.

  • Orasion_Seiz

    Posted Oct 3, 2009 5:06 am PT

    i will be one of those 6 million you can count me on that

  • spotty6

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 3:54 pm PT

    away with this ff on 360 no thanks ill be sticking with ff 14

  • elizabethtroubl

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 2:15 pm PT

    Huge FF fan, been playing since the late '80's. But, no XB or PS3=no FF XIII for me...for the first time in forever...unless something changes drastically and I stumble upon a small fortune...

  • Lisandro_v22

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 9:53 am PT

    @ flyingteddy: I had the theory that the reason Sony doesn't want players to install Lynux is because they were able to play games with a cd image or something, or maybe they realised it could be a possibility honestly idk but I'd have enjoyed installing lynux in my slim

  • Darth_Nater307

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 9:51 am PT

    I may no be one of the first, but definatly count me among those 6 million.

  • MrFinalFantasy

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 9:11 am PT

    6 million? huh? i thought Square-Enix would go all out and say "BEST SELLING GAME OF ALL TIME" truth be told. i am glad they're humble.

  • frazzle00

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 4:47 am PT

    I guess they might make bootlegs of the 360 version : ).

  • flyingteddy

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 2:37 am PT

    @KittyHeart, Unless you know something I don't there are not any pirate games for the PS3.

  • KittyHeart

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 10:48 pm PT

    also, the aritcle mentions square enix expanding into china... but isn't china whre most bootleg games come from? lol it would be funny if ffxiii came to china, and the pepole there already had bootlegs of it

  • KittyHeart

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 10:45 pm PT

    final fantasy games always sell... goooo ffxiii lol

  • Petercairns

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 8:36 pm PT

    GOD I WANT THIS GAME!! I think if there was one game i could fast track, this would be the one!!

  • frazzle00

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 8:24 pm PT

    @HerbalVideogame

    "And if I remember correctly, there is an article from Microsoft stating that there is STILL an issue with the Jasper, and that's why they offer a 3 year warranty still"

    Where's the article buddy?

    'And yes, every single xbox spec is lower than that of the PS3. "

    Prove it IF you can .

    "And you keep saying you're not the fanboy. Guess what, we're all fanboys. "

    Fanboys are all about brand name loyalty. They buy products because they idolize a particular brand (be it Sony, MS or Nintendo). You clearly fall into that category. Sensible gamers on the other hand game for the sake of gaming. The brand is irrelevant if the game is good. Sure people may prefer one console over the other, but to stick to only one particular brand of console because of some misplaced notion of loyalty is embarrassing to say the least. Once again that's you buddy not me

    "It obviously bothers you, when I don't give a .... So I'd tell you what to go do with your xbox, but my guess is you've already done it."


    If you are so ambivalent why do you reply to my posts? After all each post you make only proves my point. Sucks to be you buddy

  • HerbalVideogame

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 7:50 pm PT

    @frazzle00
    Obviously it bothered you enough to respond to what I was saying. And if I remember correctly, there is an article from Microsoft stating that there is STILL an issue with the Jasper, and that's why they offer a 3 year warranty still. And yes, every single xbox spec is lower than that of the PS3. And you keep saying you're not the fanboy. Guess what, we're all fanboys. It obviously bothers you, when I don't give a .... So I'd tell you what to go do with your xbox, but my guess is you've already done it.

  • 2w-sephiroth

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 6:59 pm PT

    Id work as a slave for a whole month to play and own that game. Look at it! its PURE BEAUTY, in motion and interaction. Alas, I think it will be the first time I will wait for a midnight release at a shop to buy it. Id say it will sell more than 6.

  • frazzle00

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 6:37 pm PT

    @HerbalVideogame

    "I didn't know it was possible to smell things through an internet connection. Guessing are we?"

    If it posts like a fanboy, it is a fanboy.

    "Am I guessing that the specs of an xbox are lower than that of a ps3?"

    Are you saying that every single Xbox 360 spec is lower than its corresponding PS3 spec? Are you suggesting that the Xbox 360 is not as capable a gaming machine as a PS3? What makes you an expert on computer architecture? Guesswork? .

    "Am I guessing that blu-ray discs are a faster storage medium than *ahem* multiple DVDs?"

    Firstly the PS3's Blu-Ray drive is notoriously slow. Why else do you think most PS3 games require a compulsory install? And yes disc swapping is faster..FACT! How long does it take you to stand up, walk to your console and swap a disc? More than 7 minutes (which is just the initial MGS4 install)?

    "Am I guessing that an Xbox will overheat and and and and it's silicon will crack?"

    Gamespot just recently published the results of a reliability survey, and it seems that the Jasper 360 models have addressed the reliability issues seen in the past. Don't forget that the PS3 also has reliability issues (YLOD).

    "Am I??? You, frazzle, reek, of fanboyism"

    You're the fanboy buddy not me .

  • slainta

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 6:06 pm PT

    I believe thy mean 6 millions on day 1!!!

  • NuKkU

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 5:34 pm PT

    i expect more to be honest

  • Kenji_Masamune

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 3:37 pm PT

    duh FF13 will sell 6 million, it'll sell 6 million alone on the PS3. Even FF12 (which both critics and fans thought it was bleh... not me though, I enjoyed FF12). FF13 will probably hit 3 - 5 million within the first year alone.

  • shamarke

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 1:38 pm PT

    Final Fantasy has always been the best RPG!, they will sell over 6 million cuz its gonna get released on both 360 and ps3!

  • ecs33

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 12:18 pm PT

    Shane_Tha_Don Posted Oct 1, 2009 2:17 am GMT I don't care if SE makes more weak RPG's for the 360, but don't encourage them to put the big name titles on there.
    Doesn't feel right...Microsoft can never stick to what they are good at, Always have to taint good things in an attempt to make a profit. And yes I understand it is business, but it doesn't stop me from being irrationally bitter about this crap. How does forcing 360 to change discs throughout the game "taint" the game for PS3 owners? The graphics will be identical. 360 and PS3 are practically the same when it comes to processing power.

  • ecs33

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 12:16 pm PT

    link1709 Posted Sep 30, 2009 11:18 pm GMT not that I agree with LINKMAN0714 but the game will be shipped on one blu-ray vs several dvd's! the difference between this and mgs4 is that mgs4 filled a blu-ray disc!

    True but this is a misleading statement nonetheless. MSG4 has a blue ray full of ridiculously long video clips. I would hardly consider MSG4 to have a blue ray full of actual gaming content.

  • jeremiah06

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 11:58 am PT

    @HerbalVideogame

    Yeah, because video games sure are just like sex... but I'll humor your argument... So, I shouldn't not sleep with a girl just because she totally had 4 partners in her past, all of which had STDs, and she didn't bother to protect herself. Well, I hope you enjoy the aids you're sure to catch in the future. Meanwhile, I stand buy my comment... you may disagree, but I guarantee you the 360 will sell more copies in the US than the PS3 for that very reason. I'm just the only guy who's willing to admit to such a fanboyish thing. However, if you really want me to play this game that badly, feel free to buy me a copy.

  • jeremiah06

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 11:47 am PT

    @dentui

    The world does revolve around me, you just too selfish to see that.

  • ecs33

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 11:28 am PT

    FFXII was not that great. It was fun but it felt real short and shallow compared to other FF's (the combat was fun though). I enjoyed it but it wasn't the same. I am glad to see Square going back to the roots with XIII.

  • dannyatkinson

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 10:37 am PT

    Is there a release date yet?

  • swyg

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 9:49 am PT

    6 million actually sounds like a low estimate. SE is releasing FFXIII on two consoles with a much bigger combined user base than the PS1 and PS2 had at the time of their first FF releases. I think they're being modest tbh.

  • Tarmac_Hunter

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 2:35 am PT

    Interesting that it's a PS3 exclusive in Japan, but not the rest of the world. It's pure speculation, but I'm wondering if MS simply didn't want to pay to license it in that region since they don't do nearly as well in Japan? Seems odd, something as big as a full FF release could move some systems...

  • KhanhAgE

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 12:55 am PT

    Well, having seen the TGS trailer, which is just epic by the way, Final Fantasy XIII could sell 6 million units. Makes me wish I knew Japanese so I could import it, when it launches on December 17th. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for an English translation.

  • Dweedleking5000

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 9:30 pm PT

    PS3 Fanboys need to stop crying.

    Both versions will be good.

  • DemannameD

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 9:02 pm PT

    Javieralijandro

    Did I miss where it talks about the size of the game and how many disks? Or are you insinuating something? Or are you just flat out being a douch bag?

  • DemannameD

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 8:59 pm PT

    well a FFVII remake would sell triple that... so how about IT!

  • Shane_Tha_Don

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 6:17 pm PT

    I don't care if SE makes more weak RPG's for the 360, but don't encourage them to put the big name titles on there.
    Doesn't feel right...Microsoft can never stick to what they are good at, Always have to taint good things in an attempt to make a profit. And yes I understand it is business, but it doesn't stop me from being irrationally bitter about this crap.

  • GoGaToR07

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 5:27 pm PT

    well if its comes out im waiting for the $30 mark. it'll start at $60 more in likely. im figuring 6.5million at least in first year

  • Javieralijandro

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 5:26 pm PT

    they'll be fine microsoft is paying for the xbox publishing, because there is noo... dev in the world that would publish a mulity plat that requires 3 disks on 1 console and 1 on another.

  • spike6958

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 4:52 pm PT

    Although I don't really think they should be throwing numbers around and shouting about how well FFXIII will sell, I do feel FFXIII will make, or even surpass this number because Final Fantasy is really the only JRPG that has been excepted into Western Culture and survive the jump from 2D to 3D gaming and get better because of it, add to that that FFXIII looks to be the best Final Fantasy since the PS1 games and yeah, this should sell 6 Million easy.

  • tony382 posted Sep 30, 2009 4:40 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    tony382

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 4:40 pm PT (hide)

    I doubt this will sell 6 million copies. I think most of has parted ways with the turn based JRPG's that have way to many cutscenes. I definitely won't be buying/renting this, and I know a lot of people who are passing this up as well.

  • KingOfOldSkool

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 3:58 pm PT

    @shii666 - Dont you just love when the flamers throw out their rhetoric filled bait in every possible topic? Anyways, like I alluded to earlier I feel that even though Square should not rely on throwing around these possible sales numbers(lets face it, the reason they're doing it for stock market purposes).. the 6 million mark for a multiplat iteration of a franchise with the prestige and quality of a Final Fantasy is certainly within reason. It certainly would surprise me more if they didnt hit that mark eventually instead of not at all.

  • Kenji_Masamune

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 3:42 pm PT

    sorry, FF13 isn't a FPS or sports game so it'll sell less on the 360. That's like saying a FPS is going to like crazy on the wii. Wrong demographic.

  • link1709

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 3:18 pm PT

    not that I agree with LINKMAN0714 but the game will be shipped on one blu-ray vs several dvd's! the difference between this and mgs4 is that mgs4 filled a blu-ray disc!

  • shii666

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 3:17 pm PT

    @SalarianChemist

    God, you just have to demerit Sony every opportunity you get, don't you? In any case, with how large a fanbase Final Fantasy has, it is certainly possible for this game to sell over seven million, however I do agree with you that it is a rather high selling point. And, although Sony aimed high and got low, that just shows how bad Sony's marketing strategies are. (I bought one because I was doing research before buying a console. At the time, it was completely ideal to buy a 360, but then I discovered how often it had to be fixed. So far, I have had my PS3 since 2006, and have never required a fix for it. And, while I feel that many 360 users could have said the same thing, I still feel reassured by this.) I guess it goes to show you how much marketing can affect sales. I personally believe Final Fantasy can do it. I think they could have done it even if the game WAS exclusive (In Japan it is.) to the PS3. But, alas that is my opinion, and my prediction, and according to you, I myself am aiming to high.

  • LittleDuck

    Posted Sep 30, 2009 3:17 pm PT

    Estimations went up by more or less 1 million % last month.

    In all fairness though, considering the gaming corps square enix has bought, we could see a whole new Rpg. A worldwide rpg genre thing?

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