Final Fantasy XVI in ‘Final Stretch’ of Dev, Hopes to Attract Adults Back to the Series

Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida gave an update on the game’s development in a free magazine being given away at clothing retailer Uniqlo in Japan. Via Gematsu, he said that Final Fantasy XVI is now in the “final stretch” of its development, suggesting a release date is coming sooner rather than later. Yoshida also expressed a hope that Final Fantasy XVI will attract adults back to the franchise who had fallen off the franchise years ago.

The game aims to deliver a satisfying story and gameplay experience, with each complementing the other and creating greater immersion. The depth of the story Square Enix has crafted is what Yoshida hopes brings adults back for Final Fantasy XVI.

Per Gematsu translation, Yoshida explained, “My hope is that the adults who have grown up, understand the rules of society, and drifted away from Final Fantasy thinking, ‘The real world isn’t as easy as a video game,’ can remember the enthusiasm they had back then. That’s what we’re keeping in mind as we make this game.”

Final Fantasy XVI has only been announced for PlayStation 5 so far, and a major update is expected sometime this spring. Even though the gameplay seems to have drifted even further away from turn-based battles and more into Devil May Cry territory, hopes are high for the game since Naoki Yoshida has ushered online title Final Fantasy XIV to massive success in recent years. Maybe Final Fantasy XVI really will be the thing to entice disillusioned adults back to the franchise. If not, there are always the Pixel Remasters to retreat back to.