E3 2019: Phantasy Star Online 2 Excludes PS4 from North American Launch

No comment on Europe, either

by Sammy Barker Mon 10th Jun 2019

Phantasy Star Online 2 has been available on the PlayStation 4 for many years in Japan, but it looks like its North American release will be exclusive to the Xbox One and PC. The long-awaited MMO – which is also playable on the Nintendo Switch and PS Vita overseas – will deploy in Spring 2020 on Microsoft’s console, although even more curiously publisher SEGA has said that it has “nothing to confirm” regarding a European edition.

Frankly, this is a bizarre announcement. It’s being powered by Microsoft’s Azure infrastructure, so its ties to the Xbox One make some form of sense. But given that the title’s already available on other platforms overseas, we’d expected it to support them in the West as well. Turns out that’s not the case.

[source youtube.com]

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

1
Porco
Mon 10th Jun 2019

there were leaked photos of microsoft visiting the sega offices several months back. some people speculated it was regarding microsoft acquiring sega which sounded insane to me. lo and behold, it was about bringing phantasy star online 2 to the west. obviously, sony has no interest in the project, so i can't say microsoft didn't earn this on their own merits. that said, i don't think this game will find a wide audience and will be quite niche. those who like phantasy star online like it a lot, but i feel like there is a demographic mismatch between the community on xbox and those that like these sorts of games. it might find its fans from the pc side, though.

2
AdamNovice
Mon 10th Jun 2019

And I thought MS were done with moneyhatting 3rd party games?

3
lazerbyte
Mon 10th Jun 2019

MS isn't known as the RPG platform and there was a previous PSO on the xbox and it didn't do so well! I think Sega is making a mistake by only allowing it on the Xbox as there is a larger audience on PS4 for RPGs. I guess we'll have to wait and see what Sony announces. FFVII is a good start!

4
lazerbyte
Mon 10th Jun 2019

@Porco The Xbox is more of a FPS system as you see MS focuses on games like gears and halo. They also like driving and flight sims. The system really isn't an RPG system. The system is also mostly an American system. The PS is a Japanese system and gets more Japanese support and more RPGs.

5
Cutmastavictory
Mon 10th Jun 2019

It should be on ps4, more of a natural fit, but money talks. But again, when Sony does these things, outrage. When others do it, no big deal.

6
Beerculies
Mon 10th Jun 2019

The release of this game is handled very strangely, no European launch, no PS4 version when one already exists. How Strange! I loved PSO back on the Gamecube and still play PSO Blue Burst on private PC servers and have a great time. Would love to play this on the PS4 but i guess fate just isnt on my side.

7
wiiware
Mon 10th Jun 2019

Okay, that suck

Also do japanese games like this sold on xbox? I remember final fantasy and metal gear sold like 70% more on playstation platform.

8
Ralizah
Mon 10th Jun 2019

Not every game is going to come to every platform. This is why it pays off to own multiple systems.

Good on Microsoft for helping to ensure that this long-delayed release FINALLY comes West. If I can download it on Windows 8.1, then I'll definitely be checking it out, even though I'm not an MMO person at all.

9
lacerz
Mon 10th Jun 2019

If I were in the market for a MMORPG I’d give Final Fantasy XIV a go before this.

10
Stude
Mon 10th Jun 2019

Bad times since my pc is bunk and I don't own an xbox. I'm a big Xenoblade fan and people always tell me I should try PSO because it apparently has the same vibe. Oh, well.