Square Enix to Release Final Fantasy XVI on PC September 17th

Anticipation Builds for PC Release of Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy XVI is set to make its long-awaited debut on PC on September 17th, more than a year after captivating audiences on the PlayStation 5. This delay has left many fans eager for the title, but there are hints that future installments in the franchise may not follow the same path. In a recent conversation with GamesRadar+, director Hiroshi Takai shared insights regarding the potential for simultaneous releases on both PC and console platforms.

While Takai was careful to clarify that he could not speak on behalf of the various development teams working on upcoming titles, he expressed optimism about the likelihood of day-one PC releases becoming a reality for Square Enix. “I think it’s possible – probably even likely,” he stated. However, he added, “the team in charge of each project gets to decide its own policy, so this is just my personal opinion.”

In recent years, Square Enix has adopted a strategy of timed exclusives for the PlayStation 5, with notable titles such as Final Fantasy VII Remake initially launching on that platform before eventually transitioning to PC. However, during its financial results presentation in May, the company announced a shift away from this approach, aiming to embrace multiplatform releases. The overarching goal is to “build an environment where more customers can enjoy our titles,” and day-one PC releases could be a significant step in that direction. This strategy would also help maintain the interest of PC gamers, who often find themselves waiting longer for console-exclusive titles to make their way to their platform of choice.

Reflecting on the release timeline, Takai remarked, “Naturally, we wanted to get the PC version into players’ hands as quickly as we possibly could. We don’t get anything out of delaying its release either. That said, I don’t think there’s much more we could have done to speed up the porting process. Looking at the results, I think the time we’ve put into optimizing the game for PC was time well spent.”

Traditionally, PC gamers have been accustomed to lengthy waits for titles that first appear on consoles; for instance, many of PlayStation’s first-party games often find their way to Steam years after their initial console launches. Nevertheless, a growing number of publishers are now embracing the concept of simultaneous releases on PC, and Square Enix appears poised to follow suit. While this approach may demand additional time and resources during the early stages of development, the potential to cultivate a larger audience on PC and sustain interest in their titles could ultimately prove advantageous for the company.

As the gaming community anticipates the arrival of Final Fantasy XVI on PC, discussions around the future of the franchise continue to spark curiosity. Would you like to see future Final Fantasy titles released on day one for PC? Share your thoughts on social media and join the conversation.

Update: 20 Aug 2024