Sony held a major PlayStation 5 showcase today, kicking things off in grand style with one of the most anticipated games in recent memory, Final Fantasy XVI.
The trailer was absolutely gorgeous and insane, showing off the breathtaking graphics, deep story, and live combat that will be at play in the latest installment of the Final Fantasy series.
“The legacy of the crystals has shaped our legacy for long enough,” we hear an unnamed person say as the music swells amidst some extreme action that appeared to involve the legendary summon spell Ifrit.
But perhaps the biggest news to drop in this trailer is something that has been rumored for quite some time now. Final Fantasy XVI will be exclusive to PlayStation 5.
This was confirmed to be an exclusivity period, similar to that of Final Fantasy VII Remake. That game is exclusive to the PlayStation 4 for a period of one year. As of April 10, 2021. Final Fantasy VII Remake could be made available on PC systems and Xbox One. It is currently unknown how long Final Fantasy XVI will remain exclusive for.
This move has likely angered a number of Xbox and PC gamers. The subject of Sony exclusivity has become something of a sore spot for fans of other platforms. Many have accused Sony of employing predatory exclusivity tactics.
We saw the outrage most recently when it was announced that the character of Spider-Man was coming to Marvel’s Avengers (also a Square Enix title) but as a PlayStation exclusive DLC addition only.
Exclusive offerings have become something of a specialty for PlayStation in this console generation. Of course, exclusivity is nothing new to the console wars, but a slew of super high quality PlayStation exclusives in recent years has upset the balance, so to speak.
First, you had 2018’s God of War relaunch, which revolutionized the classic Sony mainstay for a modern audience, incorporating amazing voice acting, breathtaking graphics, and a deep satisfying story.
Then there was Marvel’s Spider-Man, which many are hailing as one of the greatest super hero games of all time. Its PlayStation exclusivity should come as no shock to anyone, given the fact that Spider-Man’s film rights are owned by Sony, and have been for nearly two decades.
The Last of Us 2 also made a huge splash, selling more than 4 million copies in just three days.
Finally, Ghost of Tsushima made a huge splash in the gaming world, exciting and delighting gamers as it became the fastest selling debut franchise in the history of the PlayStation 4.
There is no word yet on a release date for Final Fantasy XVI.