PS2 Launch: Could Square Be Heading Over To The Dark Side?
New reports made by Daily Radar UK now suggest that Square could very well heading into XBox gaming development. But it get's worse..
Published: October 23, 2000
In the past few weeks, we have been hearing both the positive and negative opinions in regards to the PlayStation2 launch. It seems that both Nintendo and Microsoft will have their own plans on October 26th; the North American PS2 launch date. Nintendo plans to react to the PS2 launch by releasing the highly anticipated sequel; The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time on the same day. Additionally, it is rumored that Microsoft plans to reveal the new design of the XBox either on or before the launch date.
Rumors went flying around the internet last week in regards to Final Fantasy XI also being in development for the XBox gaming console. It now seems that there could be more than meets the eye, as insiders continue to suggest a partnership between Square and Microsoft. The two companies have been described as having a 'good relationship' in the past. Insiders for Square have continued to make only positive comments in regards to the XBox console.
In addition to this, Microsoft has been after Square and it's franchises for quite the time. At one point, Microsoft had even attempted to buy out several companies, including Square. Today, Daily Radar UK broke the news that an XBox version of FFXI may not be that far fetched. Insiders in Japan have laid claim that such a project as an almost-definite possibility, and that following the current PlayOnline multiplayer service, Square plans to move forward with full XBox development.
More rumors have suggested that Square may dump Sony completely for exclusive XBox development. For now, all of these claims remain only as speculation. At the same time however, these statements seem very reasonable. For the record, Square has had a history of sticking with one, and only one console. Additionally, while Square has had good ties with Sony in the past, they have been known for dumping relationships in the past, most notably with Nintendo in 1996.
Daily Radar went on to suggest that such a relationship between Square and Microsoft could lead Electronic Arts to producing new games on the XBox console. As stated before, much of this is and will remain as speculatory only. It is hoped that more details will be made available as we approach this Thursday's launch date. We will have more information throughout this week as it happens.
Rumors went flying around the internet last week in regards to Final Fantasy XI also being in development for the XBox gaming console. It now seems that there could be more than meets the eye, as insiders continue to suggest a partnership between Square and Microsoft. The two companies have been described as having a 'good relationship' in the past. Insiders for Square have continued to make only positive comments in regards to the XBox console.
In addition to this, Microsoft has been after Square and it's franchises for quite the time. At one point, Microsoft had even attempted to buy out several companies, including Square. Today, Daily Radar UK broke the news that an XBox version of FFXI may not be that far fetched. Insiders in Japan have laid claim that such a project as an almost-definite possibility, and that following the current PlayOnline multiplayer service, Square plans to move forward with full XBox development.
More rumors have suggested that Square may dump Sony completely for exclusive XBox development. For now, all of these claims remain only as speculation. At the same time however, these statements seem very reasonable. For the record, Square has had a history of sticking with one, and only one console. Additionally, while Square has had good ties with Sony in the past, they have been known for dumping relationships in the past, most notably with Nintendo in 1996.
Daily Radar went on to suggest that such a relationship between Square and Microsoft could lead Electronic Arts to producing new games on the XBox console. As stated before, much of this is and will remain as speculatory only. It is hoped that more details will be made available as we approach this Thursday's launch date. We will have more information throughout this week as it happens.