The biggest news, to me (read: my opinion), was actually not any specific game -- it was Square-Enix and Microsoft referring to each other as "partners."

It's one of those things that usually isn't remarked by most gamers, because it's just a turn of phrase and obviously such wording has no effect on the actual games being shown -- but I think it emphasizes Microsoft's greatest strength, and that strength is networking with other companies.

I remember a conversation with Legend11 a while ago, when the Wii Balance Board was introduced. Legend commented that was a great idea, and that he wished Microsoft could make neat new gadgets like that. I responded that such gadgets weren't Microsoft's strength; their strength was in corporate relations, which in video game terms means strengthening third party relations. It's a boring strength, I suppose, but a powerful one, and I think the recent events are evidence of that.

Microsoft has gone from literally zero support -- none at all -- from Square in the Xbox 1 era, and now has a couple of exclusive titles and a few multiplatform titles (FF XI included) either in development or already released, all within the first two years of the 360's release. And now, Microsoft and Square are calling each other "partners."

I'm not even suggesting that this new terminology will result in any immediate new games for the platform; I'm only highlighting how good Microsoft seems to be at getting developers -- even Japanese developers -- to warm to them.

And please, no M$ stuff, okay? Sony has lost as much money in gaming in the last 1.5 years as Microsoft has, so Sony is spending money on something.

FF XIII is coming to the 360 confirmed.

I don´t know what Microsoft is doing this generation, but whatever it is, they are doing it right, the PS3 not selling as well as expected helps too I guess. Butt you are right Bod, I would´t say Microsoft is buying support, everybody does that, helping third parties out with marketing for example is a smart way to get exclusives and push awareness for your platform at the same time, besides you have to spend money to make money. (and both Sony and Microsoft are very good at this game) After the XBox 1 many thought Microsoft was going to leave the console race soon, now with growing support it looks like they are very far from it.

seriously, this is just a sentence about SE and Microsoft in their conference
it means nothing at all
it is more damage control considering the non release of FFXIII on the Xbox360
(no SE main support)

BUT

if FFXIII is coming to Xbox360
wow
it means a lot
and it change everything
(leo-j post just before me)

Well if FFXIII comes to XBox360...
I'll buy a Xbox360! No a PS3! A Xbox360! A PS3! A Xbox360! A PS3!
Arggg... I'll buy a Wii. Ohh but I already have one of those :P

As I said, I think the sentence is largely fluff as well.

However, it's also a fluff sentence that Square Enix wouldn't have even considered uttering 4 years ago. 

Lol, im fairly confident leo was joking. But there is a point to this thread. The reason that the 360 isnt preforming well in Japan isnt a lack of great games, the PS3 has a lack of great games as well and its doing much better. In fact with Eternal Sonata and Blue Dragon the 360 has BETTER Japanese market games than the PS3. No the reason the 360 isn't doing well is the PERCEPTION that Japanese developers don't like it and therefore won't support it. Thats why the use of the word "partners" is important. Thats why if FFXIII did come to the 360, its main significance wouldnt be 360 owners purchasing it, but non-360 owners recognizing the symbolism of such blatant SE support.

I think the 360's problem in Japan is as much an Image one as a direct games problem - the Japanese simply don't want it, they're not interested:

Stuffing money down the product isn't going to save it in a region where it is hopelessly outmatched.

microsoft had an awesome pre-tgs showing... Ninja Gaiden 2, Ikaruga/Exit/Rez!!! The Square Enix line-up. Sweet jesus, they win the console war in my eyes :).

I do agree on the importance of corporate relations and microsoft is truly excelling at that. If only japan could accept microsoft.

The reason the 360 isn't performing well in Japan is because the Wii and DS have stolen the show from anyone else.

There are currently no Square-Enix exclusives in the works for 360. The only titles that ARE in the works are multiplatform (The Last Remnant; FFXI).

The 360 has all but lost all non-NA territories. I don't see why people think it's doing so well.