Yoshinori Kitase Reveals His Top 3 Xbox Games

The Arrival of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Xbox Series X|S

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has finally made its way to the Xbox Series X|S with a demo build, marking a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between Square Enix and Microsoft. This development is set to launch early in 2026, offering fans an opportunity to experience the game before its full release.

Square Enix and Xbox have had a complex relationship over the years. While Final Fantasy titles have occasionally appeared on Xbox systems, they have never been as consistently available as on PlayStation or Nintendo platforms. This inconsistency has hindered the growth of an audience for Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) on Xbox, creating a challenge for both companies.

Microsoft aims to expand its user base among gamers who enjoy JRPGs and other Japanese genres, while Square Enix seeks to reach new audiences on different platforms. As part of this effort, Square Enix has recently engaged with Xbox-oriented press, showcasing their commitment to the platform.

A Conversation with Final Fantasy's Producers

In recent interviews, Square Enix’s director, Naoki Hamaguchi, shared insights into why the company is returning to the Xbox platform. Additionally, Yoshinori Kitase, the producer of Final Fantasy 7, released a video highlighting some of his favorite Xbox titles. This move underscores the growing interest from Japanese developers in the Xbox ecosystem.

Kitase praised several Xbox games, emphasizing how they showcase the capabilities of the platform. His first recommendation was Flight Simulator 2024, which he described as incredibly realistic and immersive. He even mentioned imagining scenarios where he would have to take control of a plane, drawing from his own experiences traveling by air.

Another title that caught Kitase's attention was Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. He expressed admiration for the game's nostalgic recreation of the original movie and its influence on modern video game mechanics. Kitase noted that many of the treasure-hunting, dungeon, and puzzle-solving elements can trace their origins back to the Indiana Jones franchise.

Finally, he highlighted Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a strategy game within the Final Fantasy universe. Kitase praised the deep and engaging story, as well as the involvement of Yasumi Matsuno, the original creator of the series.

Can Xbox Build a Bigger Fanbase for Japanese Games?

Despite its efforts, Xbox remains relatively unknown in Japan and struggles to gain traction in the West. Sales of Xbox hardware have declined, and the platform has faced criticism for several unpopular decisions this year. However, Japanese developers are increasingly supporting the Xbox platform, with franchises like Yakuza, Persona, and Final Fantasy appearing more frequently alongside other platforms.

Xbox has also been expanding its reach to PC to attract a broader audience, particularly those who have moved to Steam. The Xbox Game Pass has played a key role in this strategy, though recent price increases have raised concerns about its value proposition.

The collaboration between Square Enix and Xbox has led to exciting developments, including the availability of iconic games on multiple platforms. Whether through Xbox PC, OEM devices like the Xbox Ally, or Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft and its partners are exploring new ways to engage with players.

Xbox Cloud Gaming, for instance, offers a convenient way to play turn-based JRPGs like Final Fantasy Tactics, Persona, and recent Dragon Quest remakes. These games perform well on battery-limited devices, making them accessible in various settings.

Preorder and Demo Availability

Fans can now preorder Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Xbox Series X|S, with exclusive bonuses available until January 31, 2026. The game will be released on January 26, 2026, as part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade represents a major reimagining of one of gaming’s most iconic experiences. With its upcoming release on Xbox, the game is now available for preorder at a discounted price.