http://gamer.blorge.com/2009/05/19/confirmed-microsoft-to-blame-for-delay-of-final-fantasy-xiii/ The release date for Final Fantasy XIII has remained a moving target for a good part of the last several years. Developers at Square Enix pointed towards 2009 as the release date in 2008. However, in January of this year, executives indicated that the game will be delayed to sometime in 2010. Many gamers were expecting to play Final Fantasy XIII by Christmas time this year on their PS3. However, it seems like the development of the game may be taking a bit longer then initially anticipated. This isn’t all that surprising considering the decision made by Square Enix to tack on another platform to support (Xbox 360). This is really a follow up to my initial article where I harshly criticized Microsoft for “cock” blocking Sony by making it so that the PS3 version gets delayed along with the Xbox 360 version. As I mentioned previously, I really don’t care whether I play it on my Xbox 360 or PS3 as long as it doesn’t take half a decade to get the game out. According to Videogamer, the producer of Final Fantasy XIII, Yoshinori Kitase stated that the basic engine work is being done on both versions of the game (PS3 and Xbox 360) simultaneously. However, the team will not do any of the finishing touches on the Xbox 360 until the PS3 version is finished. Kitase stated: When it comes to the basic engine it’s likely we are going to keep them on the go simultaneously. But the finishing touches, the details, the PS3 version will be completed first, then we will move on to 360. When Videogamer asked Kitase if the finishing touches have begun for the Xbox 360 version he stated “We will have to wait until we are done with the PS3 version.” When Kitase talks about basic engine work he is talking about the Crystal Tools, which is suppose to work on both the Xbox 360 and PS3. I really don’t mind Microsoft paying money to get games as long as it doesn’t effect the release dates of the game. The blame really goes more to Square Enix than Microsoft for agreeing to such a crazy development decision. As a fellow software developer I can already see the Square Enix’s developers groaning when staring at the extended red glowing project plan timeline. Kitase has also indicated in his interview with Videogamer that localization is fast-tracked a la Metal Gear Solid 4 style, with English voice being recorded during Japanese development. So much for blaming localization on the delay. It seems like there shouldn’t be much basic engine work to do considering the engine is said to be working on both platforms already. However, his comment, “finishing touches, the details” has me a little concerned. If you didn’t already know - the devil’s usually in the details.
Leatherhat on July 6th, 2012 3pm. Vita sales:"3 mil for COD 2 mil for AC. Maybe more. " thehusbo on July 6th, 2012 5pm. Vita sales:"5 mil for COD 2.2 mil for AC."
