Sony dropping Final Fantasy VII Remake (FF7) and Final Fantasy XVI (FF16) on Xbox feels like an olive branch tossed across the console divide. After years of PlayStation exclusivity, seeing these flagship RPGs arrive on Xbox is definitely a head-turner.
But don’t be fooled by the gesture, the Black Myth: Wukong saga still looms large, reminding us that beneath the surface, some shady exclusivity games are being played. This sudden generosity might look shiny, but it doesn’t erase the sting of what went down behind the scenes.
Final Fantasy’s long-awaited leap from Sony to Xbox: A game changer?
For decades, mainline Final Fantasy games were practically synonymous with PlayStation exclusivity. These flagship RPGs remained locked to Sony’s consoles, leaving Xbox players on the sidelines. Sure, many eventually landed on PC, but other platforms had to lick their wounds and wait patiently.
That longstanding exclusivity was more than a business decision, it shaped generations of gamers’ expectations about where to find these beloved titles. But that era is finally ending. Square Enix has shifted gears, adopting a multiplatform strategy aimed at expanding its reach and diversifying revenue.
Related: What Is Xbox Play Anywhere: It’s a Game-Changer That Buries Sony Under the Debris of Obsolescence
At the latest Xbox Games Showcase, it was revealed that FF16 is available now, with FF7 Remake slated for this winter. This marks a surprising, welcome shift, it’s like spotting a rare comet: unexpected but exciting.
IT’S HAPPENING #XboxShowcase pic.twitter.com/BalCHVd9g4— Xbox (@Xbox) June 8, 2025
While Xbox players are ecstatic to finally dive into these beloved worlds without switching consoles, it’s hard to forget how long it took. These weren’t just games that “came late” to Xbox; they were withheld, held hostage by timed exclusivity deals and strategic partnerships.
So why is Sony suddenly opening doors for these titles? It’s hard not to suspect this move is a distraction, a bait to lure fans into believing Sony isn’t still pulling shady business behind their backs, especially with the recent Black Myth: Wukong exclusivity controversy still fresh in everyone’s minds.
Sony’s quiet puppeteering behind the scenes
Final Fantasy is finally breaking its shackles. | Image Credit: Square Enix
Here’s where the story takes a darker turn. While Sony’s handing over Final Fantasy titles feels like generous gifts, the Black Myth: Wukong saga tells a different tale, one of smoke, mirrors, and carefully choreographed silence.
Originally, GameScience claimed the Xbox Series S’s hardware was too weak to handle the game, justifying a multi-year delay. But fast forward, and suddenly the game drops on Xbox exactly one year after its launch (on PS5 and PC), no years of “optimization” in sight. Coincidence? Highly unlikely.
Related: Did Black Myth Wukong Have a Secret 1-Year Exclusivity Deal With Sony?
While no confirmation has been made (of course), it smells like a classic timed exclusivity deal with Sony, concealed behind a convenient technical excuse. Xbox players were placated with stories of memory bottlenecks, while Sony quietly enjoyed its spotlight.
The Wukong mess exposes the industry’s unspoken exclusivity tactics, deals that aren’t officially admitted but are open secrets to anyone paying attention. So, while the recent generosity with Final Fantasy titles is nice, it can’t distract us from these behind-the-scenes shady deals.
It’s a reminder that console wars are fought not just in game worlds, but in boardrooms and PR statements. Sony’s move to break exclusivity for FF7 remake and FF16 might soften the sting, but the Wukong controversy is a scar that won’t fade anytime soon. Nice try, Sony, but we see you.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
