Two fees, one game: 'Final Fantasy XIV' on Xbox

Image: Square Enix

After more than a decade, the highly anticipated arrival of Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox has been confirmed for 2024. Square Enix made the exciting announcement on February 2, unveiling a beta test for the Xbox Series version scheduled to commence on February 21. This beta will be open to newcomers to the MMO genre. However, Xbox players keen on delving into the realms of Eorzea will not only need to subscribe to the game itself but also require an additional Xbox Game Pass subscription.

A Square Enix's blog post, details this announcement in the "How to Participate" section. It clarifies that while the Free Trial version, including the beta, doesn't mandate a Game Pass subscription, the full Xbox Series X|S version will need an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan for access. This is a departure from the norm for FF14, which typically only requires a game subscription on PlayStation and PC. 

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Pick up 'Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy' for free on the Epic Games Store

Image: Eidos Montreal

One of the free games the Epic Games Store you can get now is Eidos Montreal's favourably reviewed Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. You have until January 11 at 8 am PT / 11 am ET / 4 pm GMT to claim the title before it's replaced by Sail Forth. If you haven't gotten to try the game yet and are curious about it, now's the time to pick it up.

Despite positive fan reception, publisher Square Enix claimed its sales "undershot initial expectations." Eidos Montreal developed other titles like Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

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Square Enix sells off 3 major Western studios to Embracer

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Square Enix plans to sell three of its major Western game studios and associated video game properties to the Embracer Group. The sale is estimated to be around US$300 million. Following regulatory approvals, it's expected to be finalized between July and September this year.

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'Kingdom Hearts IV' is coming

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Kingdom Hearts IV is coming. Square Enix announced the upcoming installment during an event held in Japan. Joining that title is a new Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link mobile game. The art style looks a bit more realistic this time, but the developer wanted to emphasize that the trailer contains development footage that's "subject to change." This game takes place in the city of Quadratum, and we get introduced to a new character called Strelitzia. There isn't a release date yet for Kingdom Hearts IV, but the closed beta for Missing-Link will kick off in "specific regions" in August.

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