Final Fantasy XIII The Square Enix press conference has just began with a Q&A session. Obviously everyone are focusing on the recent Final Fantasy XIII announcent:

- The game is being developed using the Crystal Tools, and there will be new footage very soon.
- Kitase refuses to announce how many discs will FFXIII be released in.
- The game will first be released in Japan, and then the localization process will begin. Then, after everything is complete, the game will be developed for the Xbox 360.
- Hashimito says Final Fantasy XIII might not be released at the same time at North American and Europe due to language issues.
- The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions will not be different.
- Final Fantasy Versus XIII is still a PlayStation 3 exclusive.
- The decision to release Final Fantasy XIII on the Xbox 360 was made not too long ago.
- The company still doesn't know if the game will include Xbox Live elements.
- When asked what is the difference between Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy XIII, Kitase replied: "Overall, the atmosphere is difference. The tempo and the speed are different. The entire direction is different. It's flashier."

It came to thought that this would be a same day release, but how the hell is that possible? They have been developing the game since god knows how long. They "just recently" decided to bring it to the 360.

So its a timed-exlusive for the PS3, and the 360 development wont even begin until the PS3 version is out. MEGATON. Sure. But the hardware boost will still go to Sony, just not nearly as large as it would have been in NA/EU now.

Its exclusive in Japan.

In the West it will release simultaneously on both consoles. This press conference might be confusing. Microsoft's conference and subsequent press release however, are not.

You don't get it Jandre.

It releases on Japan first -- PS3 Only-- then simultaneously in NA and Europe for both consoles.

That's not really timed exclusivity, it's just (timed?) exclusive for Japan.

if they start after the japan ps3 version is released then I guess it takes 8 months to one year to port that game to 360.

One person says that it is a simultaneous release, another that it is first on ps3, then on 360. Whom should I believe?

Is it going to be release the same time as the PS3 version or is it going to be a while after it

No, read the Q&A. It says it wont be DEVELOPED until the localization process is complete. Why would they finish it in Japan, then make PS3 owners in NA/EU wait 6 months more just so they can port the game.

They never stated it was at the same time, and if this Q&A (from Kotaku) is correct it will come to the PS3 first, then the 360 version comes later. They won't outright say "timed exclusive", because they just announced it for the 360 at their press conference.

So FFXIII is a timed exclusive to the PS3? haha

@Spartan

Which means that it will take the same amount of time to get released on the PS3 in NA and Europe. Which is... kinda sad but still :P