In a recent conversation with GamesRadar+, Hiroshi Takai, the director of Final Fantasy 16, shared his insights regarding the future of the beloved franchise and its availability on multiple platforms. He expressed optimism about the likelihood of future installments being released simultaneously on PC and consoles, stating, “I think it’s possible – probably even likely.”
Takai elaborated on the decision-making process behind platform releases, noting that each project team has the autonomy to determine its own strategy. “That said, this is just my personal opinion,” he added, acknowledging the collaborative nature of game development.
Final Fantasy 16's Transition to PC
Originally launched on PlayStation 5 in June 2023, Final Fantasy 16 is set to make its debut on PC on September 17, 2024. The base game will be available for $59.99 / £44.99 through Steam and the Epic Games Store. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the Final Fantasy 16 Complete Edition, which includes the base game along with its story expansions, Echoes of the Fallen and The Rising Tide, is priced at $79.99 / £64.99.
In an effort to engage the PC gaming community, Square Enix has also released a free demo for the upcoming PC version. Takai expressed the team’s eagerness to deliver the PC version to players as swiftly as possible, stating, “Naturally, we wanted to get the PC version into players’ hands as quickly as we possibly could.” He emphasized that there were no benefits to delaying the release but acknowledged the complexities involved in optimizing the game for a new platform.
Reflecting on the porting process, Takai concluded, “Looking at the results, I think the time we’ve put into optimizing the game for PC was time well spent.” This sentiment underscores the commitment of the development team to ensure that players receive a polished and immersive experience, regardless of the platform they choose.