While it had a notoriously bad launch, Final Fantasy 14 has been one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world since its 2013 reboot. The game has remained popular on PC and PS4 thanks to consistent support from Square Enix, but strangely has never made its way to the Xbox One. Now we have a better idea as to why Final Fantasy 14 isn't on Xbox One, despite Square Enix bringing most of its other games to the platform.

According to Final Fantasy 14 game director Naoki Yoshida, a Final Fantasy 14 Xbox One port hasn't happened yet due to Microsoft's own rules about cross-play. Apparently Microsoft has a rule about players being able to chat with those on other platforms, as well as a rule against making a community with players on another platform, like a Guild, for instance.

So it seems Microsoft is the reason why Final Fantasy 14 isn't on Xbox One. Yoshida says that he recently spoke to Head of Xbox Phil Spencer about the situation, but it doesn't appear as though any progress has been made in regards to bringing Final Fantasy 14 to the Xbox One.

What's odd about this situation is that Microsoft has typically been seen as a champion of cross-play support. Not only did it bring Xbox Live to the Nintendo Switch for some games, but it has also actively encouraged cross-play between all platforms. Sony is usually known as the company that prevents cross-play from happening, so it's a bit strange to see the roles reversed.

However, there does seem to be at least a little hope that we could see Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox eventually. After all, a Stadia version of Final Fantasy 14 is being discussed, and it doesn't appear as though the game is going to be abandoned any time soon. Assuming it continues to have serious longevity, it stands to reason that eventually we will see Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox One, or perhaps Project Scarlett, at some point down the road.

Meanwhile, Final Fantasy 14 will soon have its next big expansion. On July 2, the Shadowbringers expansion will launch for Final Fantasy 14, bringing with it plenty of new content for fans to sink their teeth into.

Final Fantasy 14 is out now for PC and PS4.

Source: WCCFTech