Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid Xbox360 bound?
Author and Researcher - Jordan LeDoux
Editor - Anthony Hanses

Editor's Note: For more conversation on this topic please listen to Podcast #2 here
Edit #1: Fixed Podcast link to point at the correct Podcast. Sorry for the confusion. The details concerning this rumor are approximately 1 hour into the podcast.

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.

fkusumot,
hey man, there are already a thread about "your" news about FFXIII and MGS4.

Overall, lt's say I agree with your list Soriku.
except Star Ocean 4 being multiplateform.

Eternal sonata was confirmed to be ported to the ps3, they showed a trailor of it in sony's tgs.

Soriku,

Highlight the bit of text you wish to be a link and the chain button will become active (), click this and you can put in the URL of your choice.

Also, this is an old idea. TheSource started a rumor thread awhile ago. I wonder if anyone's rumors came true from the thread. I think I'll dig it up. 

Viva Pinata for the Wii will not happen if Microsoft is serious about this gen.

And Eternal Sonata has been confirmed, you should have paid closer attention to Sony at TGS where they showed a trailer.

I'll devour ravens or whatever if the remake of MGS 4 doesn't come on the Xbox 360. The initial release being multi-plat is also possible, but the amount of noise they're making about exclusivity makes me believe it'll be PS3-only until Subsistenciance, or whatever they'll call it this time, comes out.

Nothing specific aside from that. Definitely lots of medium-big Japanese developers jumping ship to the Wii, with Western ones following close behind when they realise where the money is.

Thanks Dolla Dolla for the tip....didn't know you could do that...Do you know why when I post pics, like lets says from google, why there is a bunch of writing next to them (location stuff, I think)?

@Soriku

Umm, I don't know if you get Game Informer or not, but FF Versus XIII is also on 360....


- Bandai Namco to make more Wii Tales games

Depends on how well Knight of Ratatosk does.

- Katamari Damacy game for Wii

Beautiful Katamari has been confirmed for PS3 and Wii.


Here is my rumor

Legend of Zelda Wii with 1:1 control to be released in Fall of 2009. Announced next E3.

@snes bOY

I was being sarcastic since the article was a joke.

Snesboy said: FF Versus XIII is also on 360.... Beautiful Katamari has been confirmed for PS3 and Wii.

Interesting ... do you have some evidence to support these confirmations?

As I understand, Beautiful Katamari is exclusive to the 360, and they'll make a different Katamari game for the PS3. And I've only heard rumors about Katamari for Wii.