http://emaglive.com/index.php?showtopic=1988

 

The same source was used in the royalties thread but the thread starter specifically requested another thread be used to discuss this part.

 

EMagLive.com has received multiple reports over the last few days from sources who wish to remain anonymous that Microsoft is making a largely successful bid for two of the PlayStation 3's most anticipated third-party exclusives: Metal Gear Solid 4 and Final Fantasy Versus XIII.

The reports of Final Fantasy Versus XIII heading to the 360 have been circulating for nearly the last month after it was revealed that at least parts of the White Engine were being ported to Microsoft's console. Speaking to EMagLive we were told by a source close to Microsoft that the Redmond company was in productive discussions with the Japanese developer Square Enix to "at least get [Final Fantasy 13] as a timed multiplatform and at most get the game as a simultaneous release".

We learned that Square Enix was apparently asking for a large monetary compensation for the port, while Microsoft maintained that they did not want to pay for the cost of PlayStation 3 development on the title. Despite the difference of opinion it appears that the two companies are close to reaching an agreement that will bring the blockbuster RPG to the 360.

We contacted Square Enix for comment, but the company maintained that they had no news to announce stating "at this time, there is nothing announced toward a Cross Platform Final Fantasy game, other then Final Fantasy XI and The Last Remnant. This is not to say it will never happen ... decisions to develop additional games for the XBox 360 will ultimately be made by Square Enix and Microsoft."

We set out to get additional sources on the story and while chasing them down learned that Microsoft was also very close to reaching an agreement with Konami regarding Metal Gear Solid 4. Konami apparently also requested significant monetary compensation, but if our sources are to be believed the end result is looking like it will remain the same: Microsoft is close to reaching a deal which will bring MGS4 to the 360.

Konami responded by saying that they "have no information concerning the possible release of Metal Gear Solid 4 on the XBox 360 at this point". But they told us to "keep an eye on our website for updates" regarding any announcements on a 360 version of the anticipated title.

Microsoft declined to comment, saying only that they "just can't divulge any details of any deals we have with business partners" at this time. The representative noted that if there were any truth to the information we had, Microsoft would not be able to comment on business relations with partners, especially those concerning any future titles.

How could Sony lose two of its most pivotal third-party exclusives? Jack Tretton head of Sony Computer Entertainment America revealed earlier this summer that Sony had a strict policy against "buying" exclusives. "We have a very different approach to exclusives than some of our competitors," stated Tretton. "We don't buy exclusivity, we don't fund development. We don't, for lack of a better term, bribe somebody to only do a game on our platform."

Yet many developers find that the costs of developing on Sony's platform can outweigh many of the benefits. Sony's royalty on each disc sold is twice the royalty Microsoft levies on their system. Additionally, each extra month of development that the platform requires can raise the break-even point by as many as 50,000 – 80,000 units on big titles.

Editor's Note: This is the sort of story that most reporters don't enjoy reporting because they cannot explicitly list their sources. That said, every bit of information in this story has been confirmed by at least two sources independently. That doesn't mean we got it all right, it just means we're confident that we did everything we could to ensure as much.

We want to be clear and upfront that we recognize this is still a rumor until we can name sources and allow public scrutiny to take place. We also recognize that because this site is relatively small, and we have decided to use forum software to power it as an design choice, this piece may be viewed as a "hit generator" article. We don't at this time make any money off the site however, and extra hits actually hurt us more than help us. At this point what is important is our reputation, and we hope that our professionalism will shine through in our thoroughness with the parties and comments involved.

I stand by my prior statements that MGS4 WILL come to the Xbox 360 and that FFXIII WONT come to the Xbox 360. I have no problem with Microsoft buying exclusivity or in this case multiplatform status, especially given the numerous examples of Sony defying Tretton's statements and doing so themselves.

That said, I just believe the money SE would need to port FFXIII and ignore their Sony culture would just be too huge to justify it from Microsoft's perspective. Konami is another matter, I remain convinced that given upper-management's constant assertions that they may be forced to multi-platform status, MGS4 will be ported to the Xbox 360. Add to that the fact that MGS sells better in Europe and America than Japan, and Microsoft is likely to expand its lead over the PS3 over Christmas, a lead that wont be recovered by March (the final feasable time to consider a port). For the record, Hideo Kojima never has much say in the economics of where the game went, even less so now he's announced he wont work on more.

Konami responded by saying that they "have no information concerning the possible release of Metal Gear Solid 4 on the XBox 360 at this point". But they told us to "keep an eye on our website for updates" regarding any announcements on a 360 version of the anticipated title.

 

Comon, if MGS4 comes to the 360 they wont say anything until the release of the PS3 version, the reason, probably they want to have a excuse to make a 360 port... (Poor sales= no profit)

OMG not again

Squares closed theater had LATEST FFXIII trailers and AT THE END it said

"For Ps3 ONLY"

As for MGS4, it aint happenin xbots

I gotta chime in. I gotta chime in.

Stay tuned.

Metal Gear Solid 4 will NOT go to the Playstation 3 (the original from Sept. 22, 2006)

http://www.n-philes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29797

 

The PopZart rendition from December 2006

http://www.popzart.com/?page=view&topic=267

 

Money Talks and Big Stanky Walks 

John Lucas 

I agree. No port for any of these games will be confirmed until after or just before the release of the PS3 version. However as with Eternal Sonata and Ace Combat, it normally becomes incontrovertible that a game will be ported as we get closer to the time and its harder to cover the evidence. I still don't think that FF will come to the 360, but if its going too, now is the time for both SE and Microsoft to make the deal. SE needs to do it now in case the 360 takes off at Christmas and Microsoft isn't willing to pay as much next year. Microsoft needs to make it now so that they are guarded against any fall in 360 sales effecting SE's decision and raising price, and so they can start "not leaking" the fact that its coming.

Strangely this FUD won't die, but I don't know that there are that many 360 owners that truly want either of these two games... I'm definitely not a Final Fantasy fan. I've tried a couple and just couldn't stay with it long enough to finish... As far as MGS4, I've never played an MGS title so I don't know what I'm missing.

I suspect all the FUD over these two games is strictly 360 fans wanting to see the last two "huge" titles for the PS3 go multi... Hoping it will be a stake in the heart... And Sony fans, hoping it isn't true because they fear the same.

The PS3 is here to stay my friends... Sony isn't going to walk away from the table regardless of the outcome of these two titles. It's good that they won't because the competition is turning out some incredible games and pushing console prices lower...

i love it when predictions comes true..and it's coming closer and closer..

I don't want to comment the rumours themselves but... Do you guys really think it's a smart move to release those games on the PS3 only? In other words... would they make a profit?

NJ5: They will make profit the ps3 userbase is not going to stay the same. MGS4 is going to be released probably march 2008 and FFXIII 2009.