Final Fantasy VII Remake part 3 will be released simultaneously on multiple platforms, confirms Square Enix
A significant change in Square Enix’s distribution strategy indicates that the highly anticipated third and final part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy will not follow the path of temporary exclusivity for PlayStation consoles. The Japanese company signaled a new release policy, aiming to make its main titles available on various platforms, such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, from day one. Essa decision represents a milestone for the franchise and for players from different ecosystems, who will be able to experience the conclusion of the Cloud Strife saga simultaneously.
The new approach is part of a broader business plan, which seeks to maximize the reach and financial return on its large investments. By abandoning the temporary exclusivity agreements that previously benefited the Sony platform, Square Enix aligns with a growing trend in the games industry where immediate accessibility to a broader player base becomes a priority. The measure was received with enthusiasm by Xbox and PC owners, who traditionally had to wait months, or even years, to play the series’ titles.
Development on the final chapter is already underway, with the creative team leveraging the knowledge and technology developed for the previous two games to streamline the production process. Embora an official date has not yet been announced, the expectation is that progress will be more agile, with speculation pointing to a launch in the coming years. Confirming the multiplatform strategy from the beginning of development also allows engineering teams to work on optimization for each system in parallel, ensuring quality parity between versions.
Square Enix’s new publishing policy
Square Enix management recently revealed a new strategic plan focused on a more aggressive multi-platform approach. Sob the “Square Enix Reboots and Awakens” guideline, the company aims to bring its big-budget games to as many gamers as possible from launch. The goal is to strengthen the fan base across all major platforms, including Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox and PC, ensuring that high-caliber titles are not restricted to a single console for long periods.
This change of direction is a direct response to current conditions in the game development market, where production costs have reached record highs. The company recognizes that limiting the initial audience through exclusivity agreements can negatively impact a title’s sales potential. Portanto, the new policy aims to diversify revenue sources and build a more solid and consistent presence in all segments of the gaming community, abandoning a model that, although profitable in the short term through partnerships, limited the global reach of its intellectual properties.
The exclusivity history of the Remake trilogy
The journey of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy began with a strong partnership with Sony. The first game, released in 2020, was a PlayStation 4 exclusive. A year later, an improved version called Intergrade arrived on the PlayStation 5, bringing graphical improvements and a new episode focused on the character Yuffie.
Learn more: Square Enix ends exclusivity and confirms release of part three of Final Fantasy VII Remake on Xbox
The temporary exclusivity extended for a considerable period, with the PC version only being released at the end of 2021 on Epic Games Store, and later on Steam in mid-2022. The Essa waiting window generated great anticipation among computer gamers.
The second chapter, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, followed a similar pattern, releasing in February 2024 as a PlayStation 5 exclusive title.
What to expect from the development of the final part
The development team, led by iconic figures like Tetsuya Nomura and Yoshinori Kitase, confirmed that production on the third part is progressing steadily. The main story script has already been completed, and the process of recording the characters’ voices has begun.
This advanced stage suggests that the pre-production phase has been successfully completed, and the project is now entering full development. The experience gained from creating the vast world of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be crucial in accelerating the construction of the final chapter.
More on this story: Square Enix breaks exclusivity and releases Final Fantasy VII for Xbox, PC and PlayStation
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Although the company has not released a release window, current progression indicates that development is on schedule. The work structure established in previous games allows for more efficient and focused production.
The conclusion of the trilogy promises to be the most ambitious project yet, uniting all the narratives and character arcs presented in the first two games. The promise is of an epic outcome for the reimagining of the classic story.
On the same topic: Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 breaks exclusivity and will be released simultaneously
Implications for Xbox and PC players
For Xbox players, the news is particularly positive, as it represents the first time that a new chapter in the main saga of Final Fantasy VII will be able to be released on their platform. The absence of the first two games on the Microsoft console was a point of frustration for many fans, and the inclusion of the final installment in the release could signal a new era of relationship between Square Enix and the Xbox ecosystem.
PC players, who received previous titles late, will finally be able to participate in the global conversation and discover the story in real time, along with console users. Eliminating the waiting window prevents spoilers and allows the entire community to share the experience simultaneously, strengthening engagement around the launch.
The future of the company’s major launches
The decision to adopt a multiplatform strategy for the completion of Final Fantasy VII Remake is not an isolated case, but rather a clear indication of the future direction of Square Enix. Essa philosophy will likely extend to the company’s other major franchises, such as Dragon Quest and Kingdom Hearts, which could also see their next major releases arrive on multiple platforms simultaneously. The gaming industry as a whole is moving towards a less fragmented model, where software availability is prioritized over hardware exclusivity. Empresas like Microsoft already publish their games on competing consoles, and Sony has intensified the launch of its titles for PC. Square Enix, by adopting this approach, positions itself competitively in a dynamic market, seeking to guarantee the sustainability and relevance of its brands in the long term. The focus is now on building fan ecosystems across platforms, rather than relying on one-off deals that, while advantageous, can restrict the growth of its most valuable intellectual properties.
Challenges of simultaneous production
Developing a game on the scale of Final Fantasy VII for multiple platforms from scratch presents significant technical challenges. The team will need to ensure that performance and visual quality are consistent across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and various PC hardware configurations. Este process requires a robust investment in engineering and quality control (QA) teams to optimize the game for each specific system, avoiding performance issues that could tarnish the player’s experience at launch.
The conclusion of the Remake saga
The third part of the trilogy is eagerly awaited, as it will conclude the reimagining of one of the most celebrated stories in video games. The promise of a simultaneous release on multiple platforms guarantees that a record number of players will be able to witness the conclusion of the journey of Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and the entire Avalanche group at the same time, consolidating the project’s legacy for a new generation.
More on this story: End of exclusivity: Square Enix will release the last part of Final Fantasy VII for all consoles
