so, the PS3 version will be out ahead of the 360 version?

Who knows I mean isnt ff 13 90% complete on ps3 and 70% on 360.The ps3 was started 2006(not sure) and the 360 was started 2007/2008(not sure as well).If thats any indication I think if it does come after it will be by a couple of months.

You must consider the work that the story and the numerous engine re-working that happened in those first two years.

I hope the 360 buyers won't get a water down version.

Not sure why folks seem to be focusing on the code/engine side of things. The comment clearly indicates its a contractual issue to do with how SE want to operate an MMO on consoles vs how MS want them to operate said MMO on Live.

Don't know enough about PSN or Live regarding such elements but its obvious that some aspect of MS mandatory rules for Live clashes with what SE want - hence negotiations as indicated. Either MS need to cave in and make this some sort of special case or convince SE to adapt their approach to Live.

Microsoft doesn't want 360 players to interact with PS3 players.

Criterion did already say it a year or two ago

True I didnt think about that but still,it shows that you can accomplish similar things on the 360 on a shorter time frame.

He needed to word it more carefully, unless he's announcing 8 year old games.

it's not about MS, FFXI works perfectly fine on 360 since 2006 - that's not a problem.
sony probably moneyhatted SE for beta/stepchild edition of the game that will be released earlier on ps3 while 360 owners will have to wait for enhanced and bugless edition a little more. either way pc, ps3 and 360 will have separate servers so it doesn't matter who will get FFXIV first.

PS3 is DOOMED..Ten year plan is almost over...I can't believe were getting a ten year old game on 360....

Oh well Atleast PS4 should be out next year...

(You put 2001)