We already knew that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is exclusive to PS5, but now we know how long that'll last, and it really isn't very long.
According to the version published directly by Square Enix of today's brand-new trailer showcased during PlayStation's State of Play broadcast, the exclusivity window lasts only until May 29, 2024.
That's only three months after the launch of the game on PS5, which has just been announced as February 29, 2023.
Of course, this doesn't mean that the game will launch on other platforms (likely PC) as soon as that window expires, but three months is likely a new record.
It appears that after having assigned exclusivity windows of a year for a while, Square Enix is playing harder to get, with increasingly shorter time frames.
The exclusivity window for Final Fantasy XVI was six months, and Square Enix is currently working on a PC port.
In the meanwhile, after many years of PlayStation console exclusivity, Final Fantasy XIV is finally releasing on Xbox, with the promise to bring more games to Microsoft's platforms.
Incidentally, we learn from the accompanying press release that Rebirth's predecessor Final Fantasy VII Remake has shipped 7 million copies worldwide. The game was originally exclusive to PS4 for a year after its release in April 2020. That being said, fans had to wait until December 2021 for a PC version.
It'll certainly be interesting to see how fast Square Enix puts Rebirth on PC, and if we might see it appear on other platforms as well.
The press release also included some interesting comments from the developers.
We start with producer Yoshinori Kitaase:
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has been set for release on February 29, 2024. This second installment of the Final Fantasy VII remake project will feature elements from the previous game, as well as greatly enhanced features such as the vast world map to explore and synergy abilities with party members.
The story will unfold more dramatically than ever before, with a rapid pace of major twists and turns. We know fans are dying to see one scene in particular…
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth can be enjoyed on its own as a standalone adventure, with the party leaving Midgar to explore the wide world beyond. But for those wishing to deepen their understanding of the story, a recap of the previous game will also be provided. We hope that both fans and those who have never played Final Fantasy before will enjoy this game.
Next is director Naoki Hamaguchi:
We are finally able to announce the release date to all of you! We have been working tirelessly on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth since the release of Final Fantasy VII Remake, and we can’t wait for you to experience our labor of love. In this title, Cloud and his friends, who have fled Midgar, will be setting out on an adventure across an expansive world of untold adventure in pursuit of Sephiroth, the legendary SOLDIER.
While the main storyline is bigger and more ambitious than the previous game’s narrative, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth also embraces the concept of "free exploration," with compelling stories, fun mini-games, powerful monsters and so much more to find throughout the world map. We hope you will explore this world in great detail, as nearly 100 hours of adventure await.
We hope you will take this new Final Fantasy game experience in your own hands to enjoy.
Last, but not least, we hear from creative director Tetsuya Nomura.
This is the second title of a trilogy, and covers between the start of the journey outside Midgar to the midpoint of the original Final Fantasy VII. If Final Fantasy VII Remake was an introduction to the world and a preparation for this journey, FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH serves as an illustration of the incidents that started the journey, an exploration of the people tied to it, and the journey itself, heading toward its climax.
Many elements were carefully selected for this title and because this is a series, we have the unique opportunity to review and incorporate feedback from the previous title, such as by increasing the number of characters. I am sure that the bar for the next work will be raised even higher now that we have included so many spectacular elements in this work, but even so, the entire team continues to work diligently and without compromise on its development.
There is also the looming question of what fate awaits. Whether you have experienced the original title or will embark on this adventure with fresh eyes, we hope you will face the ending of this work on your own terms.
We also get a breakdown of the editions with pricing details.
- Physical - across two game discs; includes a reversible cover, and the preorder incentive of the digital Midgar Bangle Mk. II armor at participating retailers
- Standard Edition ($69.99)
- Deluxe Edition ($99.99) – Includes Mini-soundtrack CD, artbook and steelbook case
- Collector’s Edition ($349.99) – Includes large, highly detailed collectible statue of Sephiroth, Deluxe Edition contents, along with digital DLC items including Summoning Materia DLC, allowing players to summon the Moogle Trio, and the Magic Pot, along with equipment, like the Reclaimant Choker accessory and the Orchid Bracelet armor. The Collector’s Edition will be available to pre-order in limited quantities from the Square Enix Store.
- Digital – includes the Moogle Trio Summoning Materia DLC
- Standard Edition ($69.99)
- Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99) – Includes digital Mini-soundtrack, digital artbook, and digital DLC items including the Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Reclaimant Choker accessory and the Orchid Bracelet armor
- Digital Deluxe Edition Upgrade ($20) - Can be purchased to upgrade previously purchased Standard Edition, adding Digital Deluxe Edition contents*
- FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE & REBIRTH Twin Pack ($99.99) – Offering great value during the pre-order phase, the Twin Pack includes FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, available at launch, and the full game download of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE which will be available to play as soon as the Twin Pack is pre-ordered.
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Digital Deluxe Twin Pack ($119.99) – Includes FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE full game download plus all Digital Deluxe Edition contents
For now, the game will release on PS5 on February 29, 2024. Below you can also enjoy its key artwork, featuring Cloud, Sephiroth, and Zack.
