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Final Fantasy Tactics Highlights Publisher Neglect of Xbox PC Store

Date: June 5, 2025
Source: Windows Central
Author: Jez Corden

Xbox Play Anywhere: A Promising but Underutilized Platform

Xbox Play Anywhere (XPA) is a Microsoft initiative designed to unify the gaming experience across Xbox consoles and PCs. It allows players to buy games once and access them on any Windows or Xbox device with shared save files, effectively enhancing user convenience and ecosystem loyalty. The platform boasts over 1,000 titles, primarily from indie developers, with some support from major publishers.

The feature aligns with Microsoft’s marketing slogan, “This is an Xbox”, emphasizing seamless cross-device gaming.

Square Enix’s Inconsistent Support Underscores Publisher Reluctance

Despite the benefits of Xbox Play Anywhere, major publishers have been inconsistent in embracing the platform. Square Enix, a notable supporter, included its Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection on Xbox Play Anywhere last year, allowing seamless play across consoles, cloud, and portable devices. This resulted in a highly positive user experience, underlining the potential of unified gaming licenses.

However, Square Enix’s recent Final Fantasy Tactics remaster notably does not support Xbox Play Anywhere and will not be available via the Xbox PC store. While the game is available for preorder on Xbox consoles, PSN, and Steam, the Xbox PC storefront is excluded. This decision reflects a broader trend of AAA publishers avoiding Microsoft’s PC platform, despite Microsoft’s competitive 12% revenue cut compared to Steam’s 30%.

The Xbox PC Store’s Struggle for Organic Growth

Microsoft’s favorable terms for PC developers have not translated into widespread adoption of the Xbox PC store. High-profile publishers continue to prioritize Steam for their Windows releases, potentially due to entrenched market dynamics or other business incentives.

Windows Central’s assessment suggests that while Microsoft’s ecosystem idea is compelling, publisher support remains fragmented, limiting the Xbox PC store’s growth and leaving consumers with unequal access across platforms.

Key Takeaways for Gamers and Industry Observers

• Xbox Play Anywhere is a valuable feature for cross-device gaming but suffers from inconsistent publisher adoption, especially among AAA titles.
• Square Enix’s exclusion of Final Fantasy Tactics from Xbox PC highlights ongoing publisher ambivalence toward the Xbox PC store.
• Microsoft offers more developer-friendly revenue terms than Steam, yet Steam retains dominance in PC game distribution.
• The situation underscores broader challenges facing the Xbox PC ecosystem in attracting and retaining big-name publishers.

For players invested in the Xbox ecosystem, these dynamics may impact game availability and platform choice, signaling that despite technical advances, market realities continue to influence where—and how—games are released.

For more insights on gaming ecosystems, PC store dynamics, and sustainable gaming options, stay tuned to our blog.

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