Square Says No to Xbox
03-17-01 | 01:33 PM
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http://ps2.ign.com/news/32481.html
"Unconfirmed" of course, but IGN.com isn't going to make this stuff up ... This is quite a blow for Xbox ...
Square Says No to Xbox
In the most recent news on videogame sites, Microsoft's first set of games made their debut at the self-named GameStock, Microsoft's own annual gamers' day of sorts. While many gamers and industry "experts" across the globe exchanged their views about their greatness or lack of flair, one thing is definitely certain -- Microsoft is going to have an uphill battle, if not a futile battle, cracking the Japanese market.
In the last two generations of systems, the systems that won the battles in Japan were those that secured two major Japanese developers, Square and Enix. Nintendo did it first with the NES and SNES, and Sony followed suit with PlayStation. In recent rumblings, IGN has learned that Square has decided NOT to develop for Microsoft's Xbox, after all. Square had originally said that it was interested in Xbox development, and has apparently been in discussions with Microsoft, but recently we heard that Square has decided to pull away from any Xbox development, although it's still listed as a developer. As everybody knows, it's quite easy to become a listed developer, which is different than actually developing for a system. Also, Enix has yet to sign any deal with Microsoft. Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet.
In the most recent news on videogame sites, Microsoft's first set of games made their debut at the self-named GameStock, Microsoft's own annual gamers' day of sorts. While many gamers and industry "experts" across the globe exchanged their views about their greatness or lack of flair, one thing is definitely certain -- Microsoft is going to have an uphill battle, if not a futile battle, cracking the Japanese market.
In the last two generations of systems, the systems that won the battles in Japan were those that secured two major Japanese developers, Square and Enix. Nintendo did it first with the NES and SNES, and Sony followed suit with PlayStation. In recent rumblings, IGN has learned that Square has decided NOT to develop for Microsoft's Xbox, after all. Square had originally said that it was interested in Xbox development, and has apparently been in discussions with Microsoft, but recently we heard that Square has decided to pull away from any Xbox development, although it's still listed as a developer. As everybody knows, it's quite easy to become a listed developer, which is different than actually developing for a system. Also, Enix has yet to sign any deal with Microsoft. Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet.
03-17-01 | 01:42 PM
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio/Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
I do not see this as an Xbox killer....sure...it would have been nice to have Square jump on board....Microsoft will really need to start worrying if companies like Konami(who have declared their main priority is the PS2), Capcom, EA, etc....start jumping ship!!! 
03-17-01 | 02:27 PM
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Originally posted by djones6746
I do not see this as an Xbox killer....sure...it would have been nice to have Square jump on board....Microsoft will really need to start worrying if companies like Konami(who have declared their main priority is the PS2), Capcom, EA, etc....start jumping ship!!!
I do not see this as an Xbox killer....sure...it would have been nice to have Square jump on board....Microsoft will really need to start worrying if companies like Konami(who have declared their main priority is the PS2), Capcom, EA, etc....start jumping ship!!!
I don't see them ...
03-17-01 | 02:29 PM
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From: Canadaaaa
"Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet."
LOL this is something new to me! [sarcasm]We all know that Japanese easily accepts to buy US products. We all know that Ford and GM are allowed to sell cars DIRECTLY in Japan (except for GM Subaru and Ford Mazda of course).[/sarcasm]
I highly doubt that MS will be able to sell the XBox directly in Japan. They will have to have a JAPANESE company to distribute it for them (taking a share of profit of course).
What I don't understand is why the US government doesn't do the same stuff. No Honda carsin US, no PS2 in US without an American distributor to take profits. I live in Canada and I know that the government is too afraid to have the same protectionist policies that Japan has but why the so-said "king of the world" US government accept those unfair protectionist policies against the US products. Do you think that the Japan will try to destroy Sony like they "try" to do with MS... LOL
LOL this is something new to me! [sarcasm]We all know that Japanese easily accepts to buy US products. We all know that Ford and GM are allowed to sell cars DIRECTLY in Japan (except for GM Subaru and Ford Mazda of course).[/sarcasm]
I highly doubt that MS will be able to sell the XBox directly in Japan. They will have to have a JAPANESE company to distribute it for them (taking a share of profit of course).
What I don't understand is why the US government doesn't do the same stuff. No Honda carsin US, no PS2 in US without an American distributor to take profits. I live in Canada and I know that the government is too afraid to have the same protectionist policies that Japan has but why the so-said "king of the world" US government accept those unfair protectionist policies against the US products. Do you think that the Japan will try to destroy Sony like they "try" to do with MS... LOL
03-17-01 | 02:33 PM
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From: Canadaaaa
Originally posted by RJainMJ
EA? I don't believe they're on board? http://xbox.ign.com/news/25233.html
I don't see them ...
Originally posted by djones6746
I do not see this as an Xbox killer....sure...it would have been nice to have Square jump on board....Microsoft will really need to start worrying if companies like Konami(who have declared their main priority is the PS2), Capcom, EA, etc....start jumping ship!!!
I do not see this as an Xbox killer....sure...it would have been nice to have Square jump on board....Microsoft will really need to start worrying if companies like Konami(who have declared their main priority is the PS2), Capcom, EA, etc....start jumping ship!!!
I don't see them ...
Yes EA is one of the major XBox developpers. And it was pretty obvious that a Canadian company would make game for the only American console...
03-17-01 | 02:55 PM
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio/Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Originally posted by RJainMJ
EA? I don't believe they're on board? http://xbox.ign.com/news/25233.html
I don't see them ...
Originally posted by djones6746
I do not see this as an Xbox killer....sure...it would have been nice to have Square jump on board....Microsoft will really need to start worrying if companies like Konami(who have declared their main priority is the PS2), Capcom, EA, etc....start jumping ship!!!
I do not see this as an Xbox killer....sure...it would have been nice to have Square jump on board....Microsoft will really need to start worrying if companies like Konami(who have declared their main priority is the PS2), Capcom, EA, etc....start jumping ship!!!
I don't see them ...
Madden is already confirmed for this fall!!!
03-17-01 | 02:59 PM
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Sorry 
just did a search and they are a developer ... http://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computi...nic.arts.reut/
just did a search and they are a developer ... http://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computi...nic.arts.reut/
03-17-01 | 03:31 PM
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Japan is always reluctant of American products. As mentioned above with automobiles. Political BS by Japan on that issue. Anyhow,
If xbox sells alot almost any developer will make games for it, they want money. The japanese are just going to wait and see what happens. Truthfully the japanese probally WANT the xbox to fail, but again, if there is money to be made...
If xbox sells alot almost any developer will make games for it, they want money. The japanese are just going to wait and see what happens. Truthfully the japanese probally WANT the xbox to fail, but again, if there is money to be made...
03-17-01 | 05:47 PM
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Damn, and I was really amped for that version of The Bouncer X to come out! 
03-18-01 | 02:20 AM
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Not something I wanted to hear. Its looks like I can go all out buying the GBA and Gamecube. The X-box is going to have to announce some much better titles to get me to buy into it. I may do like the Japanese companies and wait and see. I don't want to end up with another 3DO.
03-18-01 | 05:36 AM
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From: San Jose, CA, USA
Originally posted by Real Boba Fett
"Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet."
LOL this is something new to me! [sarcasm]We all know that Japanese easily accepts to buy US products. We all know that Ford and GM are allowed to sell cars DIRECTLY in Japan (except for GM Subaru and Ford Mazda of course).[/sarcasm]
I highly doubt that MS will be able to sell the XBox directly in Japan. They will have to have a JAPANESE company to distribute it for them (taking a share of profit of course).
What I don't understand is why the US government doesn't do the same stuff. No Honda carsin US, no PS2 in US without an American distributor to take profits. I live in Canada and I know that the government is too afraid to have the same protectionist policies that Japan has but why the so-said "king of the world" US government accept those unfair protectionist policies against the US products. Do you think that the Japan will try to destroy Sony like they "try" to do with MS... LOL
"Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet."
LOL this is something new to me! [sarcasm]We all know that Japanese easily accepts to buy US products. We all know that Ford and GM are allowed to sell cars DIRECTLY in Japan (except for GM Subaru and Ford Mazda of course).[/sarcasm]
I highly doubt that MS will be able to sell the XBox directly in Japan. They will have to have a JAPANESE company to distribute it for them (taking a share of profit of course).
What I don't understand is why the US government doesn't do the same stuff. No Honda carsin US, no PS2 in US without an American distributor to take profits. I live in Canada and I know that the government is too afraid to have the same protectionist policies that Japan has but why the so-said "king of the world" US government accept those unfair protectionist policies against the US products. Do you think that the Japan will try to destroy Sony like they "try" to do with MS... LOL
My thoughts EXACTLY. Nothing againt Japanese people and all, but the double standard here is absolutely pathetic.
03-18-01 | 08:51 AM
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Originally posted by darkside
Not something I wanted to hear. Its looks like I can go all out buying the GBA and Gamecube. The X-box is going to have to announce some much better titles to get me to buy into it. I may do like the Japanese companies and wait and see. I don't want to end up with another 3DO.
Not something I wanted to hear. Its looks like I can go all out buying the GBA and Gamecube. The X-box is going to have to announce some much better titles to get me to buy into it. I may do like the Japanese companies and wait and see. I don't want to end up with another 3DO.
Square actually approached Nintendo about remaking Final Fantasy IV-VI on the Game Boy Advance (which would have kicked so much ass), and Nintendo basically said, "No way in hell we'd ever deal with you again." So Square won't develop for the Advance or Cube unless something dramatic happens.
That means Square is stuck with... wait for it... just Sony. Good luck, guys! I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.
-Matt
03-18-01 | 10:35 AM
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I know Square is not going to publish for Nintendo. However, Nintendo can get by with out them. They have "Nintendo" making games for them. That and Rare are all they need for me to buy the system.
03-18-01 | 01:26 PM
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From: Where the sky is always Carolina Blue! (Currently VA - again...)
Originally posted by Matthew
LOL, if you're expecting to find Square there, either, you're sorely mistaken.
Square actually approached Nintendo about remaking Final Fantasy IV-VI on the Game Boy Advance (which would have kicked so much ass), and Nintendo basically said, "No way in hell we'd ever deal with you again." So Square won't develop for the Advance or Cube unless something dramatic happens.
That means Square is stuck with... wait for it... just Sony. Good luck, guys! I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.
-Matt
Originally posted by darkside
Not something I wanted to hear. Its looks like I can go all out buying the GBA and Gamecube. The X-box is going to have to announce some much better titles to get me to buy into it. I may do like the Japanese companies and wait and see. I don't want to end up with another 3DO.
Not something I wanted to hear. Its looks like I can go all out buying the GBA and Gamecube. The X-box is going to have to announce some much better titles to get me to buy into it. I may do like the Japanese companies and wait and see. I don't want to end up with another 3DO.
Square actually approached Nintendo about remaking Final Fantasy IV-VI on the Game Boy Advance (which would have kicked so much ass), and Nintendo basically said, "No way in hell we'd ever deal with you again." So Square won't develop for the Advance or Cube unless something dramatic happens.
That means Square is stuck with... wait for it... just Sony. Good luck, guys! I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.
-Matt
Tuan Jim
03-18-01 | 02:58 PM
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From: In my PT Cruiser.
Originally posted by Real Boba Fett
"Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet."
What I don't understand is why the US government doesn't do the same stuff. No Honda carsin US, no PS2 in US without an American distributor to take profits.
"Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet."
What I don't understand is why the US government doesn't do the same stuff. No Honda carsin US, no PS2 in US without an American distributor to take profits.
03-18-01 | 03:32 PM
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From: Canadaaaa
Originally posted by Karma
You might be shocked to know that the Honda Accord is the 2nd most American built car behind the Saturn. The profits do go overseas, however. I can't speak to the exact details of the report but it determined the Accord was 94% U.S. built (I am guessing this deals more with assembly than the parts all actually being constructed here.).
Originally posted by Real Boba Fett
"Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet."
What I don't understand is why the US government doesn't do the same stuff. No Honda carsin US, no PS2 in US without an American distributor to take profits.
"Is Xbox going to have a tough time in Japan? You bet."
What I don't understand is why the US government doesn't do the same stuff. No Honda carsin US, no PS2 in US without an American distributor to take profits.
Sorry if I wasn't clear but I am talking about the $$$. For example I consider Matrox and ATI Canadian companies (well they officially are anyway) because they are based in Canada and the money is in Canada. Of course the cards are built in Taiwan but the design is done in Canada.
Also sorry if I wan't clear but no offense to Japanse people. I really have nothing against them, I only hate their unfair protectionist policies.
03-18-01 | 08:21 PM
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Speaking of unfair practices: In order to try and level out the difference btw American and Jap cars the US started to amandate that Japan bought so many American cars.
Good idea right? Wrong.
Japan started buying American cars as requested. only problem is that then the Japanese would sell the cars in other countries, or even the US and not bring them to Japan. Not only bending the rules, but severlly hurting US auto manufactors name in several countries. (The Japanese failed to provide proper vehicle information and service that would be found in normal US sales.)
Pretty low down and dirty. But hey, that's buisness and thats how it works I guess. So personally I feel nothing against them because all of buisness is tricky and such. They were just a bit better at it then we figured. Found a loophole and used it.
Good idea right? Wrong.
Japan started buying American cars as requested. only problem is that then the Japanese would sell the cars in other countries, or even the US and not bring them to Japan. Not only bending the rules, but severlly hurting US auto manufactors name in several countries. (The Japanese failed to provide proper vehicle information and service that would be found in normal US sales.)
Pretty low down and dirty. But hey, that's buisness and thats how it works I guess. So personally I feel nothing against them because all of buisness is tricky and such. They were just a bit better at it then we figured. Found a loophole and used it.
03-18-01 | 08:24 PM
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Oh I forgot: I think some people may be surprised when Gamecube does hit. It's not really that far shot for Square to produce for them. Square wants back on Nintendo's side, there's to much money for them not to be.
After all nintendo has let Namco back in. I think that things are less "hairy" between the two then Nintendo wants us(And MS and Sony...) to know right now.
After all nintendo has let Namco back in. I think that things are less "hairy" between the two then Nintendo wants us(And MS and Sony...) to know right now.
03-18-01 | 08:48 PM
#21
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Originally posted by jeffdsmith
Oh I forgot: I think some people may be surprised when Gamecube does hit. It's not really that far shot for Square to produce for them. Square wants back on Nintendo's side, there's to much money for them not to be.
After all nintendo has let Namco back in. I think that things are less "hairy" between the two then Nintendo wants us(And MS and Sony...) to know right now.
Oh I forgot: I think some people may be surprised when Gamecube does hit. It's not really that far shot for Square to produce for them. Square wants back on Nintendo's side, there's to much money for them not to be.
After all nintendo has let Namco back in. I think that things are less "hairy" between the two then Nintendo wants us(And MS and Sony...) to know right now.
-Matt
03-18-01 | 08:59 PM
#22
Retired
Not a big deal to me as FF III (VI in japan) was the last great game they made IMO. FFVII was good, I didn't care for FFVIII or Chrono Cross, and I haven't bothered with FFIX. Of course just being sick of RPG's probably doesn't help any. I just don't have time to play them anymore, and have gotten sick of random battles, and bored with turn based gameplay. I greatly prefer action rpgs like zelda where you have total control.
I just don't have time to play them anymore, and have gotten sick of random battles, and bored with turn based gameplay. I greatly prefer action rpgs like zelda where you have total control.
03-18-01 | 11:05 PM
#23
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Nintendo has already stated that there is no chance Square will be making games for them. Its doubtful Square will make GBA games. The are already supporting the Wonderswan in Japan. FF1 on the Wonderswan was in the top ten and sold very well. I am sure they can survive without the GBA.
03-19-01 | 07:35 AM
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Originally posted by darkside
Nintendo has already stated that there is no chance Square will be making games for them. Its doubtful Square will make GBA games. The are already supporting the Wonderswan in Japan. FF1 on the Wonderswan was in the top ten and sold very well. I am sure they can survive without the GBA.
Nintendo has already stated that there is no chance Square will be making games for them. Its doubtful Square will make GBA games. The are already supporting the Wonderswan in Japan. FF1 on the Wonderswan was in the top ten and sold very well. I am sure they can survive without the GBA.
His retrement is sopposed to occur after the GC launch. Let's hope this is the case. While he has guided Nintendo well, he is now only holding them back.
Just because this old man and a few others in Nintendo tend to hold grudges, doesn't mean square won't be on GC. Square wants money , so does nintendo, a grudge will not hold that back.
And in case your curious why square didn't make games for N64, well that's because Sony was paying them lots of money for those exclusive games. Something that Sony may not be able to afford losing 100 bucks per console.
03-19-01 | 08:24 AM
#25
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by jeffdsmith
Thats funny, I don't think Sony can afford not to have Square behind them. Especially in Japan. FFX is going to be a big cash cow for Sony. How much they are losing on consoles only makes it more important for them to have huge software sales.
And in case your curious why square didn't make games for N64, well that's because Sony was paying them lots of money for those exclusive games. Something that Sony may not be able to afford losing 100 bucks per console.