Why An FFVII Remake Would Sell More Than Call Of Duty
See Full ImageAll right, maybe I'm crazy. But consider if you will:
Final Fantasy VII was initially known as "the game that sold PlayStation." It became by far the most popular title in the franchise and as of December 2005, it had sold 10 million copies worldwide. Some will quickly say, "Okay, so it took eight years to hit 10 million, while any new Call of Duty sells 10 million in a matter of weeks." True enough.
But of course, the industry has grown exponentially since 1997 and in some ways, it's almost like accounting for inflation; i.e., $100 today wasn't $100 fifteen years ago. Gaming has gone mainstream; it has become super huge and let's not forget another critical factor: The mystique surrounding FFVII and its overall legacy has expanded greatly over the past decade and a half, partly due to the demise of traditional turn-based mechanics and the declining quality of JRPGs overall. Oh, and the direction of the Final Fantasy series, which most hardcore fans have seen only one way...and that way is down.
Millions also signed a petition to see the FFVII remake come into existence. Those are guaranteed sales right there (for the most part), and it hardly consists of every last individual who would purchase a remake. On top of which, if you produced it now for the PS3 and Xbox 360, you're looking at a combined userbase of what, 130 million? At last count, that sounds about right. And how many PlayStations were in the world when FFVII launched fifteen years ago? The comparison is absurd and although I'm sure far more PS3 owners would buy an FFVII remake, you can't completely discount 67 million 360 owners.
Lastly, let's assume it only costs $30, perhaps an accepted price for a remake. Do you have any idea how attractive that would be to a gigantic number of people? Hell, make it available digitally and physically and if it doesn't sell 20-25 million (perhaps over a few years, but still), I'd honestly be surprised. That's all I'm saying.
Tags: final fantasy vii remake, ffvii remake, call of duty, cod, square enix
10/21/2012 10:05:06 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (60 posts)
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 10:23:28 PM
16 up, 1 down
Clamedeus
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 10:26:40 PM
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8 up, 0 down
Dealnightfire
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 10:44:40 PM
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This generation wouldn't buy a RPG into the 10 millions that was an original let alone a remake. Wouldn't around 20 million make it the best selling game on the 360/PS3?
A FFVII remake would sell like crazy to the point that I don't understand why it hasn't been remade. (Easy money for Square which they seem to care more about) but to think the FPS generation would buy a RPG twice as much as they would a Halo,COD or GTA just doesn't add up.
4 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 11:13:35 PM
8 up, 0 down
Vitron
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:49:50 AM
@world: nice avatar. :)
4 up, 1 down
laxpro2001
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 11:08:07 AM
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 12:00:32 PM
1 up, 1 down
Dealnightfire
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 6:44:22 PM
0 up, 0 down
laxpro2001
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 10:47:49 PM
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I'm not just talking success sales wise either... a game is meant to bring enjoyment. FFVII would demolish COD IMHO which these days just brings me anguish.
3 up, 0 down
BlinkBoy
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 11:00:11 PM
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Square, what do you need help with? Textures, animation, environment or modelling characters, props...
It is almost like they don't want our money.
If we can't look forward for awesome games from Square, we might as well look back and see what we got. Xenogears, Final Fantasy Tactics, Chrono Cross. Oh yea it was great times at the end of PS1 era.
Just to my opinion you guys, I think Xenogears is better than FFVII.
3 up, 0 down
shadowscorpio
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 11:54:20 PM
We might be in the minority but I also agree that Xenogears was the better game .
0 up, 0 down
laxpro2001
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 11:07:04 PM
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Yea I could be wrong but I don't think all of the SE f***ups in the world could completely extinguish all hope!
1 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:05:07 AM
2 up, 0 down
laxpro2001
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 11:07:10 AM
1 up, 0 down
GuardianMode
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 11:13:57 PM
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1 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 11:17:57 PM
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2 up, 0 down
GuardianMode
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 11:24:08 PM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:06:04 AM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:44:16 AM
0 up, 0 down
SirLoin of Beef
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 10:29:07 AM
1 up, 0 down
Yukian
Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 11:28:47 PM
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I'll buy the limited AND the collector's edition even if they just have Mako Energy (acid) to put on my eyes and obtain the Mako Eyes. That's how much I want the game remade. Lol
3 up, 0 down
ulsterscot
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:00:11 AM
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FFVII was just a game. COD is a dynasty built to last a thousand years.
(by which time hopefully we'll have a new engine)
1 up, 18 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:05:41 AM
18 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:45:51 AM
10 up, 0 down
gunblademaster
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 2:43:23 AM
8 up, 0 down
ethird1
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 12:02:46 PM
2 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 2:36:28 PM
1 up, 0 down
ulsterscot
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:07:33 AM
Reply
3 up, 9 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 1:26:19 AM
7 up, 2 down
Underdog15
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 2:36:48 PM
Last edited by Underdog15 on 10/22/2012 2:37:01 PM
1 up, 0 down
Bigimpactpooch
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 2:11:30 AM
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1 up, 2 down
Excelsior1
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 3:23:55 AM
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Last edited by Excelsior1 on 10/22/2012 3:26:01 AM
0 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 2:39:05 PM
Don't know how much water that holds, but it's a commonly discussed topic even outside PS3 oriented sites.
0 up, 0 down
___________
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 3:36:16 AM
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not even every FF fan wants a 7 remake, everyones split on which one is better or would be better suited to a remake.
and even if it was theres not half as many FF fans as there are COD fans!
than thirdly $E wouldent do a HD remake its as simple as that.
if they were going to go back to it, they would feel obliged to "modernize" it and thus turn it into a steaming pile.
put even IF by some miracle it came out perfect, exactly how the fans wanted it, and it had graphics to put the angilis tech demo to shame, it STILL would not even come close to CODs sales!
1 up, 6 down
Underdog15
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 2:39:33 PM
5 up, 1 down
homura
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 4:38:32 AM
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Simply because a lot of us still craves for an epic old school turn based JRPG.
Exhibit A:
http://kotaku.com/5952850/bravely-default-is-killing-it-in-japan-hey-square-enix-time-to-bring-it-here
And a remake of a legend will definitely sell more.
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 4:48:23 AM
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1 up, 2 down
Excelsior1
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 6:48:05 AM
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0 up, 1 down
Underdog15
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 2:42:13 PM
It was the only game of it's genre that attracted people not typically into that style of game. It was very interesting at the time.
1 up, 1 down
Killa Tequilla
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 7:06:42 AM
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Last edited by Killa Tequilla on 10/22/2012 7:11:02 AM
0 up, 0 down
Killa Tequilla
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 7:13:04 AM
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http://www.gamestop.com/accessories/playstation-3d-display/91799
Last edited by Killa Tequilla on 10/22/2012 7:14:04 AM
1 up, 0 down
ohmikkie
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 7:44:27 AM
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Combat mechanics like that from Dragons Dogma or Demon/Dark Souls would get me interested maybe the masses.
Incidentally, I really got to play and finish it one day. That C.G. film I bought last year did not make any sense.
2 up, 1 down
Ishkur
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 8:45:44 AM
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Firstly though, what would be a perfect remake in my eyes? Would I just want a visual upgrade, leave everything else as is? No, that would be dumb, leave the audio, great as it is, to HD textures etc? Would be out of place. Ok, so we just remake the audio? Well, the music in Advent Children was shit IMO. Unnecessary guitar riffs in One-Winged Angel etc, MEH! I never wanted to bang my head when playing FFVII, so why the metal!? Nevermind that. What would I hypothetically want from a remake.
I don't want the same game all over again. That's already available on PSN. I don't want gameplay changed though. I basically want everything FFVII would have been able to be if it were made today, but with no elements changed. I want the same feelings to arise out of every scene presented. I want the same weird jokes and the same dialogue (maybe updated a tiny bit, but just spelling errors etc). The same atmosphere in every location and in every song. I want the same world map, the same items, weapons, WEAPONS, monsters, characters, events etc. I don't want answers that aren't already answered, I don't want DLC, most importantly though NO GOD DAMN VOICE ACTING. I swear I would have enjoyed FFX to FFXIII more if they would have just scratched voice acting. Reading text gives a more satisfactory characterization. It would have made the laugh in FFX not appear on youtube. Think about it. Anyways. I don't want 3D where there was no 3D. It would probably mess with the proportions of the world as a whole. Oh, and I would want everything to be in the same proportions as before ^^ I don't want Cloud to be an emo as he is in AC and Kingdom Hearts. He used to be a badass SE. Anyway, I could go on forever. With those criteria, you can do whatever you want SE! :P
You might have figured out already, but here's why I don't want it made. Would they in a million years do all this stuff? And just for me? Everyone wants something different out of a FFVII remake, and there's no way they would please everyone. That's why I think they shouldn't do it. Leave it as the masterpiece it was.
EDIT: For fun, I would like to ask Ben what exactly you would want from a FFVII remake?
Last edited by Ishkur on 10/22/2012 8:47:26 AM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 10:44:11 AM
As for the voice acting, they just have to include it if it's going to be taken seriously by today's gaming crowd. Besides, it would seem very bizarre to have this high-tech, ultra-modern, cutting-edge presentation and not have anyone talking. You just can't do it.
The reason you don't want voice performances (and the reason why a part of me doesn't), is the same reason I don't like seeing movies based on books I love. The actor chosen for a certain role could be perfect, but he'd never fit the character in my head, placed there by my imagination when reading the book. We all have our own ideas as to what Cloud, Tifa, Aeris, etc. would sound like, and there's no chance any actor or actress could satisfy everyone's wishes.
But it still has to be done. :)
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 12:05:44 PM
And don't be so hard on the silly laugh in FFX, quality voice acting was still a goal of the future at that time.
1 up, 0 down
Ultimadesires
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 9:00:37 AM
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If the game was released it would easily be the best seller of the year. Just look how well FFVII has sold on the PS Store, if it was released in retail stores it would boom.
But I still do not want it to happen. Take a look at the Metal Gear Solid remake on the gamecube, stupid cutscenes aside it just didn't hold the atmosphere to original had.I fear the same with a remake of FFVII - it would never exceed the expectations brought upon it anyway. I am still content with the original, I own a PAL black labeled copy which is still in pristine condition. I will never ask for more as if you give the game a chance it still is mesmerizing as with VIII & IX.
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Cloud X Blue
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 10:06:57 AM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 10:29:37 AM
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GuardianMode
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 12:06:47 PM
0 up, 0 down
ethird1
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 12:00:41 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 2:32:27 PM
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0 up, 1 down
HazySun
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 3:18:12 PM
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Gordo
Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 4:00:27 PM
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I used to love puzzle and adventure games but after playing Silent Hill and Fear Effect 2 in the last few weeks I think I've dropped 50 IQ points. Every puzzle I just groan and reach for my phone to check out a game guide. Infrequent save points really annoy me. The dodgy controls. The repetition.
Us gamers have been spoilt (not just graphically) over the last decade. I don't think our "gaming brains" can go back a couple of generations. Its honestly like being an archaeologist...
So in my opinion, no HD remake. Leave the dead alone. This world is for the living. Some things have aged well like wine, Helen Mirren and certain movies. Video games unfortunately don't. The small incremental advances may not seem like much over a year but over 10-15 they equal a lot.
0 up, 0 down
Scotchio
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 8:22:51 PM
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FFVII Remake. I would love one too, but I've always had doubts about how it would work with todays new HD graphics and stuff.
I found this this article that hits the nail on the head.
http://gotgame.com/2013/01/09/why-so-serious-how-hd-is-killing-final-fantasy/
With todays HD graphics, FFVII would loose it comedic value. How can SE reproduce those scenes with HD graphics?
0 up, 0 down
Knightzane
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Sunday, October 21, 2012 @ 10:20:40 PM