Final Fantasy XVI has become an intriguing sales story to monitor in 2023. Launched as a PlayStation 5 exclusive and positioned as a first-party title, many questioned if this strategy would pay off. In the beginning, Square Enix touted the game’s quick achievement of selling 3 million units. However, their latest report for Q1 of the 2024 fiscal year paints a different picture.
Square Enix released a downbeat report over the weekend, revealing a 79% decrease in operating income compared to the same period last year. Despite the release of Final Fantasy XVI, the game didn’t compensate for various weaknesses in Square Enix’s business. These weaknesses include the failure of Forspoken, as well as declining revenue from Final Fantasy XIV and mobile titles.
According to a Bloomberg report, during a post-earnings conference call, Square Enix’s Takashi Kiryu admitted that Final Fantasy XVI didn’t meet the company’s high expectations. Kiryu also acknowledged the limited size of the PlayStation 5 user base as a contributing factor. With PS5 supply constraints easing, Square Enix hopes to increase FF16 sales as more people acquire the console.
It’s hard not to draw a connection between Kiryu’s recent statements and the ones he made when he joined Phil Spencer on stage to announce that Final Fantasy XIV and all future major Square Enix titles would be available on Xbox. It appears that Square Enix has shifted away from their previously envisioned PlayStation-exclusive future.
Despite slightly disappointing sales, Final Fantasy XVI is undeniably an impressive spectacle. In his 9 out of 10 review, Wccftech’s Francesco De Meo praised the game, stating, “Final Fantasy XVI sets a new standard for Japanese role-playing games. While the RPG components may be limited by Square Enix standards, the narrative and gameplay surpass all expectations. Clive Rosfield and Torgal are an exceptional character action duo, and their 70-hour epic adventure across Valisthea will be remembered in Final Fantasy XVI.”
Final Fantasy XVI is now available for the PlayStation 5.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
