I think we need a bit more context, Remake sold 7 million units, pretty stellar, but that was across the massive PS4 install base at the height of COVID, and then eventually PS5 and PC.
Rebirth is likely somewhere around 3 million units sold going by the latest estimates, not bad, but not as high as hoped, which is a shame as it’s an excellent game, but it also relies on a playing Remake, which was divisive to some fans, and hasn’t released in the best economic environment. Releasing on PC would have helped a bit, but are FF games known for selling gangbusters on PC? Xbox would barely move the needle.
Rebirth in itself is divisive with some story elements and mini games, I loved the game personally but there’s no denying it has some things going against, but I think the exclusivity argument is a little bit exaggerated.
Also I think FF in general these days struggles to capture new, younger fans, it wouldn’t surprise me if most current fans are 30+, my youngest siblings barely know a thing about FF and are all playing gacha, first descendant, COD and so on.
There’s more up against FF these days than not releasing on Xbox, it hasn’t sold the numbers at the height of PS1 and 2 for a long time now.
