Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy) Joins Microsoft

[zmweasel]

Video Game Legend Hironobu Sakaguchi Joins Microsoft Game Studios as a Developer for Next-Generation Xbox Platform

Father of “Final Fantasy” Series and AIAS Hall of Fame Inductee Will Develop Role-Playing Games

REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 24, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Hironobu Sakaguchi, video game legend and president of Mistwalker game studio, has joined with Microsoft® Game Studios to develop role-playing game (RPG) video games exclusively for the next-generation Xbox® video game platform. Sakaguchi is best known as the creator of the “Final Fantasy” franchise, which has sold more than 60 million units worldwide, and was executive vice president in charge of game development at Square Enix Co., Ltd. until February 2001.

Citing a shared vision with Microsoft for the next generation of video games, Sakaguchi will lead the creation of two upcoming Xbox-exclusive RPG titles to be published by Microsoft Game Studios.

“Sakaguchi-san has taken role-playing games — traditionally a niche market — and introduced them to a broad and diverse audience across the globe,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing at Microsoft. “We are ecstatic to work with Sakaguchi-san and celebrate what this news means not only for Xbox, but for gamers worldwide.”

“I’m excited about the two epic game titles we will be developing,” Sakaguchi said. “A number of talented creators have signed on to help develop these games, and I’m confident we will be able to create games that provide gamers with a new kind of thrill.

“Microsoft’s cutting-edge technologies in the next-generation platform will allow me to bring to life an array of ideas that I have had for many years,” Sakaguchi said. “I want these games to be alive with a new vision for gaming and vividly depict new characters that will transcend the game, find a place in the hearts of gamers, and make time spent with my games a fond and long-lasting memory.”

Sakaguchi started his career at Square Co. Ltd. in 1986 as director of planning and development. He was promoted to executive vice president in 1991 and eventually ascended to president of Square LA Inc. (now Square USA Inc.) in 1995. In 2000, Sakaguchi was inducted into the coveted Academy of Interactive Arts & Science (AIAS) Hall of Fame for his groundbreaking work on the “Final Fantasy” series. In 2004, Sakaguchi announced that he had started his own development studio, called Mistwalker.

Xbox is coming off a blockbuster year as the only video game console to show year-to-year growth in 2004, while competitors declined*. Driven by epic, platform-exclusive content — including “Halo® 2” by Microsoft Game Studios, “Fable” by Microsoft Game Studios., “Ninja Gaiden” by Tecmo Ltd., and Xbox Live™, the only unified online video game console service — gamers worldwide continue to flock to Xbox for an unparalleled digital entertainment experience.

[ubersaurus]

Damn, I daresay that's not only a good bit of postive press, but it may make some fanboys think about the next Xbox as a serious option to buy.

[zmweasel]

Damn, I daresay that's not only a good bit of postive press, but it may make some fanboys think about the next Xbox as a serious option to buy.

The phrasing of the release implies that the two-game deal applies to the *current* Xbox, not MS's next system: "Sakaguchi will lead the creation of two upcoming Xbox-exclusive RPG titles to be published by Microsoft Game Studios." Nintendo fanboys might need to buy an Xbox pretty quick-like.

-- Z.

[Snapple]

This is the first reason I've ever heard to buy an XBox, just based on my personal interests. I still really don't want to though. If XBox becomes "the" RPG console, I'll switch sides for the next generation. Until then, I think I'll stick with my PS2 and Gamecube.

The fanboy in me is a little disappointed, but it's definitely a smart move for Microsoft. Kudos to them.

[PDorr3]

I am not a person to complain about what games are on what systems, so this news suprises me but I am looking forward to what they have in store :)

[Tritoch]

The phrasing of the release implies that the two-game deal applies to the *current* Xbox, not MS's next system: "Sakaguchi will lead the creation of two upcoming Xbox-exclusive RPG titles to be published by Microsoft Game Studios." Nintendo fanboys might need to buy an Xbox pretty quick-like.

-- Z.

Wouldn't that be Square fanboys, not Nintendo fanboys? Why would a Nintendo fanboy suddenly want to snatch up an Xbox when a Square talent signs-up?

I seriously doubt both of those RPGs are destined for the soon to be replaced Xbox, regardless of how it's worded. Just doesn't make sense, especially when the first line of the press release is...


Microsoft Corp. today announced that Hironobu Sakaguchi, video game legend and president of Mistwalker game studio, has joined with Microsoft® Game Studios to develop role-playing game (RPG) video games exclusively for the next-generation Xbox® video game platform.

[zmweasel]

The phrasing of the release implies that the two-game deal applies to the *current* Xbox, not MS's next system: "Sakaguchi will lead the creation of two upcoming Xbox-exclusive RPG titles to be published by Microsoft Game Studios." Nintendo fanboys might need to buy an Xbox pretty quick-like.

-- Z.

Wouldn't that be Square fanboys, not Nintendo fanboys? Why would a Nintendo fanboy suddenly want to snatch up an Xbox when a Square talent signs-up?

I seriously doubt both of those RPGs are destined for the soon to be replaced Xbox, regardless of how it's worded. Just doesn't make sense.

Nintendo fanboys and Square fanboys are generally interchangeable. For example, most Square fanboys think the series jumped the shark when it moved to Sony hardware. I wonder what they think now that their patron saint has signed on with an American (!!) game publisher.

The Xbox hardware is selling like mad, and MS isn't going to supplant it anytime soon. RPGs take tons of devtime, but unless these games are still in pre-production, they could ship for the current system, not the next one.

-- Z.

[Tritoch]

Nintendo fanboys and Square fanboys are generally interchangeable. For example, most Square fanboys think the series jumped the shark when it moved to Sony hardware. I wonder what they think now that their patron saint has signed on with an American (!!) game publisher.

And why doesn't it make sense for these RPGs to ship on the current Xbox? The hardware is selling like mad, and MS isn't going to supplant it anytime soon.

-- Z.

Anyone that hasn't followed Square post-SNES surely can't be considered a Square fanboy at this point, even if they bought the GB and GCN offerings.

Isn't the next Xbox supposed to ship at the end of this year? Besides, as I mentioned in my edit (which was obviously posted after you replied) the first sentence of the press release suggests next platform to me. Why miss an opportunity like that when you've already lost Japan big-time this round?

[LinkNZ]

Nintendo fanboys have been without Squaresoft for years now, i'm pretty sure Sakaguchi's move to Microsoft affects the Playstation fanboy more than it would affect a Nintendo one eh?

[njiska]

Damn, I daresay that's not only a good bit of postive press, but it may make some fanboys think about the next Xbox as a serious option to buy.

The phrasing of the release implies that the two-game deal applies to the *current* Xbox, not MS's next system: "Sakaguchi will lead the creation of two upcoming Xbox-exclusive RPG titles to be published by Microsoft Game Studios." Nintendo fanboys might need to buy an Xbox pretty quick-like.

-- Z.

From Gamespot:
Today, Hironobu Sakaguchi and Microsoft Games Studio confirmed news that had kept the rumor mill abuzz in Japan for the past 24 hours. The two parties announced an alliance that will see a pair of upcoming Sakaguchi-developed role-playing games released exclusively for the next-generation Xbox.

It's for the xbox next or what ever the hell you wanna call it. Which is cool more power for him to play with.

Hands down this has to be the best move MS could've made. It'll be attractive to the fanboys that are clinging on to their PS2s hoping that they may someday see FF12. Then on top of that it's attractive to gamers in the Japanese market because, well, do i even need to say it? The history surrounding this guy more then make up for their problems with supporting an american company.

To be honest i'm still in shock since the news broke.

[zmweasel]

Anyone that hasn't followed Square post-FFVI (even if they bought the GB(A) and one GCN offerings) surely can't be considered a Square fanboy at this point.

So, by your definition, someone who worships FF but hates the post-Nintendo entries can't be considered a Square fanboy?


Isn't the next Xbox supposed to ship at the end of this year? Besides, as I mentioned in my edit (which was obviously posted after you replied) the first sentence of the press release suggests next platform to me. Why miss an opportunity like that when you've already lost Japan big-time this round?

MS hasn't made any official announcements about when the next platform ships. A legit date might be announced at GDC, but more likely E3.

It's very true that launching these games in Japan with the next MS platform would be a major boost in that country, although I expect that xenophobic Japanese gamers will remain reluctant to purchase American hardware.

-- Z.

[njiska]

It's very true that launching these games in Japan with the next MS platform would be a major boost in that country, although I expect that xenophobic Japanese gamers will remain reluctant to purchase American hardware.

-- Z.


Only time will tell if it works, but it's definitely going to be attractive to them

[Tritoch]

Anyone that hasn't followed Square post-FFVI (even if they bought the GB(A) and one GCN offerings) surely can't be considered a Square fanboy at this point.

So, by your definition, someone who worships FF but hates the post-Nintendo entries can't be considered a Square fanboy?

I gotta stop editing my posts after I initially make them...darned distracting baby.

Anyway, when I edited it while you were replying I changed it to SNES to include all games and not just the FF series. To answer your question, someone who claims to "worship" FF but hates the post-Nintendo entries (other than Crystal Chronicles and those on GB(A) of course) doesn't really worship FF regardless of the reason (whether it be dislike for the current style or the platform itself). Maybe they used to, but they obviously don't now.

A true Square fanboy would purchase the platform Square's developing for so they can continue to buy their games. How Nintendo and Square fanboys could be the same when Square's been solidly in Sony's camp for the past two hardware generations is beyond me.

[zmweasel]

Anyone that hasn't followed Square post-FFVI (even if they bought the GB(A) and one GCN offerings) surely can't be considered a Square fanboy at this point.

So, by your definition, someone who worships FF but hates the post-Nintendo entries can't be considered a Square fanboy?

I gotta stop editing my posts after I initially make them...darned distracting baby.

Anyway, when I edited it while you were replying I changed it to SNES to include all games and not just the FF series. To answer your question, someone who claims to "worship" FF but hates the post-Nintendo entries (other than Crystal Chronicles and those on GB(A) of course) doesn't really worship FF regardless of the reason (whether it be dislike for the current style or the platform itself). Maybe they used to, but they obviously don't now.

A true Square fanboy would purchase the platform Square's developing for so they can continue to buy their games. How Nintendo and Square fanboys could be the same when Square's been solidly in Sony's camp for the past two hardware generations is beyond me.

Square fanboys own PS1s and PS2s, but they consider the series' Nintendo entries--FF3 in particular--to be the best. It's part nostalgia, part snobbishness (FF7 is when the unwashed masses discovered the franchise), and part Nintendo loyalty.

It's quite possible to be a Nintendo fanboy and a Square fanboy at the same time; Chris Kohler reveals himself as both in his book "Power-Up."

This is a fantastic move by Microsoft, no question. They desperately needed some cred in Japan, and now they've bought--er, got it. I just have my doubts about Japanese consumers adopting an American system, as they've never done it before.

-- Z.

[Tritoch]

Square fanboys own PS1s and PS2s, but they consider the series' Nintendo entries--FF3 in particular--to be the best. It's part nostalgia, part snobbishness (FF7 is when the unwashed masses discovered the franchise), and part Nintendo loyalty.

It's quite possible to be a Nintendo fanboy and a Square fanboy at the same time; Chris Kohler reveals himself as both in his book "Power-Up."

This is a fantastic move by Microsoft, no question. They desperately needed some cred in Japan, and now they've bought--er, got it. I just have my doubts about Japanese consumers adopting an American system, as they've never done it before.

-- Z.

I'm not saying it's not possible to be both, because I am largely both myself. For the record, I consider FF3 to be Square's best game too...but that doesn't mean I don't love FFX and Xenosaga as well. What I'm saying is that they aren't necessarily one in the same. What you originally said was...


The phrasing of the release implies that the two-game deal applies to the *current* Xbox, not MS's next system: "Sakaguchi will lead the creation of two upcoming Xbox-exclusive RPG titles to be published by Microsoft Game Studios." Nintendo fanboys might need to buy an Xbox pretty quick-like.

That implies that Nintendo fanboys as a group might start buying Xboxes, when combo Square/Nintendo fanboys are clearly a small part of the overall group of Nintendo fanboys.

Microsoft officials have commented on numerous occasions that they're in Japan for the long haul, and that they plan to focus more on wooing that market in the next generation. What better way to do that than a Sakaguchi RPG at or near launch of the next system?

[Daria]

Square fanboys own PS1s and PS2s, but they consider the series' Nintendo entries--FF3 in particular--to be the best. It's part nostalgia, part snobbishness (FF7 is when the unwashed masses discovered the franchise), and part Nintendo loyalty.

I was under the impression that unwashed masses were the square fanboys of today. I mean come on Final Fantasy 7 was released 8 years ago. Any fan old enough to have abandoned Nintendo for Sony hasn't owned a nintendo system for 8 years. Surely there's a statute of limitations on fanboyism? Anyone young enough to have played Final Fantasy 7 first can't be a Nintendo fanboy. And anyone that stuck with Nintendo hasn't been able to play a non portable Final Fantasy game for again, 8 years. It's one or the other they can't all be both.

I also can't see very many fans switching to microsoft, not unless the Final Fantasy series it's self were to be an exclusive for the system. I thnk they'd follow the franchise and the company blindly as most probably have no clue who Hironobu Sakaguchi is. The only name that causes their little light bulbs of recognition to go off is Squaresoft.

[Richter Belmount]

this has made me so happy cause i dislike fanboys of any kind.

[zmweasel]

I'm not saying it's not possible to be both, because I am largely both myself. For the record, I consider FF3 to be Square's best game too...but that doesn't mean I don't love FFX and Xenosaga as well. What I'm saying is that they aren't necessarily one in the same. What you originally said was...

Xenosaga was published by Namco, not Square, although I understand your confusion, given the developers' background.


That implies that Nintendo fanboys as a group might start buying Xboxes, when combo Square/Nintendo fanboys are clearly a small part of the overall group of Nintendo fanboys.

In my experience, the majority of Nintendo fanboys are also Square fanboys, since both companies arguably experienced their greatest success (financial for Nintendo, creative for Square) in tandem.


Microsoft officials have commented on numerous occasions that they're in Japan for the long haul, and that they plan to focus more on wooing that market in the next generation. What better way to do that than a Sakaguchi RPG at or near launch of the next system?

I absolutely agree that it's a brilliant move for the Japanese market, where Sakaguchi is a god. In the States, it won't be a huge deal; as Daria says, American gamers recognize the FF brand, but don't recognize Sakaguchi's name. (American gamers don't really follow developers at all.) Microsoft tried to sell Grabbed by the Ghoulies by promoting the lineage of its developers at Rare, and failed, and Rare is recognized by at least as many American gamers as Sakaguchi.

-- Z.

[Tritoch]

Xenosaga was published by Namco, not Square, although I understand your confusion, given the developers' background.

Actually, I wasn't confused...it was just a stupid typo. Thinking about the PS2 after typing FFX I guess. I of course meant Xenogears...Xenosaga still sits on my unplayed games pile. See Citan avatar to right. :embarrassed:

Can't argue with your "experience", although my "experience" and common sense seem to suggest otherwise.

[NE146]

Nintendo fanboys might need to buy an Xbox pretty quick-like..

I think a lot of us Nintendo Fanboys already have X-boxes.. and ps2's for that matter. :)

[Sylentwulf]

This is the first reason I've ever heard to buy an XBox, just based on my personal interests. I still really don't want to though. If XBox becomes "the" RPG console, I'll switch sides for the next generation. Until then, I think I'll stick with my PS2 and Gamecube.

The fanboy in me is a little disappointed, but it's definitely a smart move for Microsoft. Kudos to them.

+1

[zmweasel]

Xenosaga was published by Namco, not Square, although I understand your confusion, given the developers' background.

Actually, I wasn't confused...it was just a stupid typo. Thinking about the PS2 after typing FFX I guess. I of course meant Xenogears...Xenosaga still sits on my unplayed games pile. See Citan avatar to right. :embarrassed:

Can't argue with your "experience", although my "experience" and common sense seem to suggest otherwise.

I need to give your posts a cooling-off period before I respond, as you edit/add comments very quickly...such as your snipe about "common sense."

I don't at all mind you disagreeing with my opinion; I do mind your implication that I lack common sense. A game critic such as yourself should be capable of tolerating opinions that differ from yours without stooping to insults.

-- Z.

[GarrettCRW]

Here's the thing: the Nintendo fanboy cares more about Square (in large part because FFVII was a major turning point for Sony in the PS1 days) than the Square fanboy cares about Nintendo. The Square fanboy may like FFVI most of all, but that has little to do with Nintendo (who is, after all, the reason why the first six FFs were edited and/or not released at all in the US), whom they don't particularly like (largely because Square told the fanboys not to like them, in essence). Fanboys have issues with FFVII because of 1) the switch to 3D 'n polygons, and 2) zmweasel's so-called "unwashed masses" found the game.

I wonder: is there such a thing as being an anti-fanboy (or a fanboy for the death of one company)?

[Daria]

This is the first reason I've ever heard to buy an XBox, just based on my personal interests. I still really don't want to though. If XBox becomes "the" RPG console, I'll switch sides for the next generation. Until then, I think I'll stick with my PS2 and Gamecube.

The fanboy in me is a little disappointed, but it's definitely a smart move for Microsoft. Kudos to them.

+1

Well that has to be the longest plus one I've ever seen. :P

I mean geez, it wasn't even spam he was just reacting to the news, which I thought was the purpose of the thread.

[Sylentwulf]

Actually, it was MY plus one. I agreed with absoultely everything he said an didn't feel like typing it all over with different words :P

[slip81]

Well I just got an Xbox, so it'll be a while before I get the new console, but if these games are even close to decent I'll pick them up.

[Daria]

Actually, it was MY plus one. I agreed with absoultely everything he said an didn't feel like typing it all over with different words :P

Oh. Opps.

LOL

Sorry about that.

[whoisKeel]

What is all this fanboy talk about anyways? I didn't see anywhere in that article anything about square (or FF) switching platforms. Just the developer, Sakaguchi, who has already left square.
x_x

[Emily]

My b/f has an Xbox,I guess Ill have a reason to play it in the future.

[Tritoch]

I need to give your posts a cooling-off period before I respond, as you edit/add comments very quickly...such as your snipe about "common sense."

I don't at all mind you disagreeing with my opinion; I do mind your implication that I lack common sense. A game critic such as yourself should be capable of tolerating opinions that differ from yours without stooping to insults.

-- Z.

Honestly, it wasn't meant as a snipe at all. Sorry if it came across that way. :(

What's seen as "common sense" can differ from person to person. To me, common sense suggests that fanboys of a software and hardware company can't be one in the same when the software company hasn't done much to support the hardware company in the last two console generations. I can certainly understand your point of view and don't doubt that there are plenty of combo Square/Nintendo fanboys out there (like I mentioned before, I'm borderline both), but I just don't see any way they could make up the majority of Nintendo's current fanbase.