Rumors swirling around — and unsubstantiated ones at that — have suggested that Microsoft “paid” Square Enix to get them to bring Final Fantasy XIII over to the Xbox 360. It’s not exactly a outlandish assumption, considering Microsoft has in the past compensated publishers in exchange for exclusive content. Grand Theft Auto IV rings a bell.

However, according to Xbox marketing manager Albert Pennello, the rumors are nothing more than hearsay:

Well, I think people assume a lot things about why Square made that announcement. I think the most obvious reason that they made the announcement is from just looking at the success of our console. We’re the leading console on a worldwide basis, we’re more than double the install base in the U.S. I actually think that it’s a great partnership, you know Square has done games for us in the past and I think there’s a point where Square just has to look at the Xbox 360, the install base, the attach rates we’re seeing, and has to make a decision on their own that it’s the right thing to do for them.

Choose to believe him or not, it’s up to you.

Albert Pennello on all things Xbox [MundoRare]

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