Final Fantasy XVI producer Yoshida Naoki has confirmed that the sixteenth installment of Square Enix’s premier RPG franchise is in its final stages of development. Naoki confirmed the status of the project in an interview that was published in a pamphlet celebrating the 35th anniversary of UNIQLO, a casual wear retailer based in Japan that is preparing to sell a limited line of clothing based on the Final Fantasy franchise. FFXVI will supposedly feature a “fleshed-out story,” one that is immersive enough to bring even more cynical fans back to the series.
“We’re in the final stages of development for the new numbered game in the series, Final Fantasy XVI,” Naoki said. “We aim to deliver a comprehensive game full of story and gameplay. Unlike an online game that involves many players at the same time, FF16 offers a different experience where it focuses on the individual player and immerses you in the story. I think it’s a very fleshed out story.”
“For those who have grown up and realized that reality isn’t kind to you and have drifted away from Final Fantasy, we hope that FF16 will be a game that can bring back anew the passion that you once had with the series.”
Yoshida Naoki says that FF16 is already in the final stages of development, and he says the story is a very well fleshed out one.
— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) April 29, 2022
His comment was released in the Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary Uniqlo magazine. Here’s the full translation! pic.twitter.com/X23AFqOXfJ
Square Enix announced Final Fantasy XVI during Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation 5 Showcase in September 2020. Like most Final Fantasy titles, the sixteenth installment will center around a brand-new antagonist, with the latest being Clive Rosfield, a character who is on a “dark and dangerous road to revenge.” FFXVI appears to be a timed exclusive for the PS5.