Square Enix has provided an update on the possibility of bringing Final Fantasy 16 to the Xbox console, stating that it wants to release the game on Microsoft’s console, but cannot yet provide a release date.
I’m talking to Video gamesSquare Enix’s Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida, producer of both Final Fantasy 14 and Final Fantasy 16, has strongly hinted that Final Fantasy 16 will eventually come to Xbox, telling fans not to lose hope.
“We obviously announced the PC version of the game, so as we look towards the Xbox version, we really want to release it on Xbox,” Yoshida said.
“But when it comes to details such as the game’s availability date etc., we are unable to say anything. But of course I want to say that it is not that there is no hope and we really want to achieve it. Therefore, players should not give up fighting for their hopes.”
Ultimate Fantasy 16 was released exclusively on PS5 in June 2023, with the PC version launching last month. IGN’s Final Fantasy 16 review gave it a 9/10. We said: “Final Fantasy 16, with its fast-paced, reflex-demanding and heavy combat, is certainly a departure from what fans might expect from a Final Fantasy game, but its excellent story, characters and world-building are right up there with the best the series has to offer. and the innovative Active Time Lore feature should set a new standard for how long, story-heavy games draw players into this world.”
Last month, Square Enix went public with its dissatisfaction with Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7: Rebirthcommercial results, admitting that neither game met profit expectations.
During the earnings conference call, which took place on May 13 but was not released until September, Takashi Kiryu, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, said: “In the HD gaming sub-segment, we have released many recent titles, including major titles such as Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 16 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, but the profits unfortunately did not meet our expectations.”
The company has already announced a significant restructuring of its business as it struggles for profitability. It has a recent cross-platform plan that includes PCs and potentially Xbox and another Nintendo console. But it also canceled a number of games and, as Kiryu revealed, took steps to better structure its game lineup.
In January, Yoshida said perhaps it’s time for a younger generation to lead the series and helm Final Fantasy 17. Square Enix Trials of Mana, Legend of Mana, and Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster first hit Xbox last month.
Wesley is the UK news editor at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. Wesley can be reached at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
