Final Fantasy 7 Remake's Third Game Faces Marketing Dilemma

The forthcoming third chapter of Final Fantasy 7 Remake is grappling with a distinct challenge regarding its release strategy, especially in terms of how Square Enix promotes the title. The publisher has already faced difficulties in meeting profit expectations for both Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, leading to conversations about whether the concluding game in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy should adopt a multiplatform approach. However, whether it remains a PlayStation exclusive or expands to other platforms like Xbox, the marketing conundrum continues to be complex.

Although Square Enix has not officially announced whether the third installment will be available on platforms beyond PlayStation, there are compelling arguments for a wider release. A broader launch could potentially help the company recover from the disappointing sales of Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

However, introducing the third game on Xbox without the first two entries would pose a significant challenge. A similar situation arose when Kingdom Hearts 3 was released on Xbox without access to the earlier Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 ReMix titles, which left new players without essential story elements and created a fragmented experience. This issue could be even more pronounced with Final Fantasy 7 Remake, given that its narrative is more cohesive compared to the separate arcs in Kingdom Hearts.

Should Square Enix Bring All of Final Fantasy 7 Remake to Xbox Series X/S?

The optimal approach would involve releasing both Final Fantasy 7 Remake titles on Xbox before the final game launches. However, this could be a logistical nightmare. The development team is likely focused on completing the last installment, and postponing its release to port the earlier games to Xbox may not sit well with fans or investors. Time and resource limitations make it unlikely that Square Enix would prioritize this task.

A temporary solution could include a recap video, similar to the summary films released for Kingdom Hearts. Yet, this option falls short. No summary can encapsulate the intricate details and emotional depth of experiencing the full Final Fantasy 7 Remake. New players unfamiliar with the previous entries might still find themselves disconnected from the story—an essential aspect of the series.

Risks of PlayStation Exclusivity for Square Enix

Should Square Enix decide to keep the third installment of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy as a PlayStation exclusive, it may exacerbate the sales challenges faced by Rebirth if exclusivity is indeed the issue. While PlayStation continues to be a stronghold for RPGs, the declining sales numbers for exclusives like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth indicate that relying solely on one platform may not be the best strategy.

Square Enix is in a precarious position with the final installment of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. Going multiplatform without the first two games would lead to a disjointed experience, particularly for Xbox players who are unfamiliar with the narrative. Conversely, maintaining PlayStation exclusivity could result in the same financial disappointment that has already affected Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Whichever direction Square Enix takes, the marketing strategy for the third installment is sure to encounter significant obstacles.