Square Enix: 360 FFXIII development hasn't begun

By Hirohiko Niizumi, GameSpotPosted 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

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