Yesterday’s news that Final Fantasy XIV was coming to mobile devices thanks to Lightspeed Studios raised many questions among fans, including what content it would include and how it would take into account monetization. Now Final Fantasy XIV producer and director Naoki Yoshida has answered at least some of those questions in a modern video shared exclusively with IGN.
“While we loved the idea of a mobile version, we had concerns about adapting some key aspects such as monetization and core gameplay to be more accessible to mobile users. That’s why we conveyed difficult feedback to the Final Fantasy XIV Mobile development team, explains Yoshida.
Yoshida goes on to reveal that Final Fantasy The remaining content will then be “released gradually based on player feedback.”
“Of course Final Fantasy XIV and FFXIV Mobile will be developed and operated independently, with FFXIV naturally ahead of the release schedule,” says Yoshida. “However, we view FFXIV Mobile as a sister title and are fully committed to its oversight. We will continue to provide guidance and feedback as the project progresses, with the hope that both versions will develop hand-in-hand.”
As a result, Final Fantasy XIV will be relatively similar to the PC and console versions, although Yoshida doesn’t say whether this will unify accounts or progression. In addition to “faithfully recreating the story for mobile users,” it will feature elements such as the Golden Saucer, the Triple Triad, and crafting and gathering.
As for the combat system, Yoshida doesn’t provide many details about adapting it to mobile devices, but he does mention a virtual joystick and adapting the actions to touchscreen gameplay. “In particular, when it comes to the battle system that involves teams of players, we had to adapt each duty and its mechanics to provide players with a satisfying experience. Our battle and content designers and I personally played early versions and gave us feedback on how to create a multiplayer experience that would be enjoyable for mobile users.”
Ultimately, the biggest difference between Final Fantasy XIV Mobile and the original PC version is that the previous version will be completely free. However, that doesn’t mean it will feature “gacha” gameplay or other exploitative mechanics. Instead, Yoshida says it will be geared towards encouraging “long-term commitment.”
“Our goal is to ensure that players can enjoy Final Fantasy XIV for a long time, while generating small and sustainable revenues so that as many people as possible can play the game. So there’s no need to worry too much – just dive into the game and enjoy it,” says Yoshida.
Yoshida says the team’s goal will be to gather feedback and begin monetization testing in different regions of the world. It will be launched first in mainland China and will gradually be expanded to a global version. In the meantime, Final Fantasy
“There is no finish line for us,” says Yoshida. “As long as I’m here and don’t retire, I’ll continue to give my all to Final Fantasy XIV.”
Kat Bailey is IGN’s news director and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Got a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
