Square Enix: friend codes kept FFXI from being on the Wii
by David Hinkle 
{ Feb 1st 2007 at 6:55PM }
We've all had, and still have, problems with friend codes. Nintendo's system of a string of convoluted numbers that differ from game to game on the DS has been the focal point of many a fanboy's rage. When we first heard the Wii was to have console-specific codes, we thought Nintendo was starting to understand our frustration. Then we were told that Pokemon Battle Revolution would have its own code, shattering dreams of easy-to-use online functionality.What does this have to do with Square Enix? The company's Senior Vice President Hiromichi Tanaka feels our pain and, during an interview with Cubed3, states that such a system held the company back from bringing an online game (such as Final Fantasy XI) to the Wii. Tanaka exclaims that his company is currently in talks "resolving this point of contention."
Does this mean that we could see FFXI on the Wii? Sure, anything is possible, however it isn't likely. Even with the increased support Nintendo is receiving from the company once again, we doubt it'll be enough to make them change their ways. Here's to hoping Square Enix manages to talk some sense into Nintendo.
[Via Joystiq]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jordan H @ Feb 1st 2007 9:25PM
I'm so sick of SE America having their only focus as Final Fantasy, they ignore Dragon Quest WAY too much. Just go to their site and 80% of the games listed are Final Fantasy. Where the hell is Dragon Quest for SE America?
reef @ Feb 1st 2007 8:41PM
I still don't understand the need for a code for every game. Doesn't having one Wii code do enough to protect strangers from connecting?
Dr. Pill @ Feb 1st 2007 10:39PM
Hasn't every other iteration of Final Fantasy XI required a HD? I would think that the rather meager 512 MB internal memory would be a pretty big factor in keeping FF XI off of the Wii as well.
AndrewNeo @ Feb 1st 2007 8:54PM
Does Nintendo force the friend code policy on all games? Since FFXI is an MMORPG, wouldn't it have it's own login system anyway?
Steve @ Feb 1st 2007 10:42PM
It's just getting silly now. Nintendo is digging it's own grave. Like, haven't they heard of parental controls? Make only the younger users use friend codes. It's just be hilarious if they require friend codes for a M-rate game.
The Big L @ Feb 1st 2007 9:35PM
Well that was a little off topic but. Friend codes are going to be nintendos online downfall. They should just have system update that keeps the friend codes (for nubs who are afraid of predators) but allows people who want to pay a monthly fee to download an online console that will allow us to connect with our fellow Wii players.
Next-Gen-Gamer @ Feb 2nd 2007 12:57AM
I sure am glad no one's in a rush to actually do any research. Every news blog online keeps citing that damn Pokemon game, apparently without paying attention to the facts. Pokemon Battle Revolution has friend codes because of it's DS connectivity, not because Nintendo forced it.
That's not to say Nintendo isn't forcing friend codes on everyone else, but let's remember two things. First off, as someone mentioned before, FFXI would have it's own login system, thus making friend codes somewhat irrelevant. And second, if your Wii has a central friend code, and you're able to add friends, despite not having any online games (yet), then that's probably a clue that we won't be seeing multiple friend codes.
Tom @ Feb 2nd 2007 2:23AM
FFXI has a monthly charge. Wii has free online play. These two things are at odds. Nintendo does not have the infrastructure in place that would allow Square to charge us every month to play their game. I'm ok with that.
Chyld989 @ Feb 2nd 2007 4:38AM
"FFXI has a monthly charge. Wii has free online play. These two things are at odds. Nintendo does not have the infrastructure in place that would allow Square to charge us every month to play their game. I'm ok with that."
How do you figure? Online games on the PS2 were all independant...no real infrastructure to speak of. Why does it have to be any different for the Wii?
Chyld989 @ Feb 2nd 2007 4:41AM
Sorry, accidentally hit tab before I hit enter =P
To continue with my previous post:
Wouldn't the Wii having free online play just allow us to connect to the internet with Square-Enix's game (in this case FFXI), and then Square-Enix would be the one that would require we had an account that was paid up to date?
Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't get why it wouldn't be possible (well, other than no HD, but it could easily come with a HD like the PS2 version did (although it'd need to be USB)).