Despite the recent silence, Final Fantasy XVI’s development is going well. So well that it is in its final stages. This comes from the game’s producer Naoki Yoshida in a report from VGC via a magazine from Uniqlo stores in Japan.
“Development of the latest title, Final Fantasy XVI, is in its final stages,” Yoshida said.
“Final Fantasy XVI aims to integrate the story and the gaming experience into a single-player game. Unlike online, which portrays multiple players simultaneously, Final Fantasy XVI focuses on the individual.”
The comment about an online game is most likely a reference to Final Fantasy XIV. Yoshida is also a director and producer for the popular MMO. He is also credited as being the guy to save the game with the Realm Reborn re-launch after its disastrous origins.
One reason for the game’s delay is the COVID-19 pandemic. Yoshida sent out a message from the game’s Twitter account at the end of last year. “I regret to inform you that I will be unable [to give more information on Final Fantasy XVI] as complications stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have delayed the game’s development by almost a half year.”
Yoshida continued, stating that the Final Fantasy team working on the game was decentralized, allowing them to work from home. This disrupted communications from their office, leading to delays and cancellations in asset deliveries from their outsourcing partners.
More news regarding Final Fantasy XVI is still expected in the spring of this year. Technically, that’s now. Since the tweet announcing the delay references a “big reveal,” I imagine this news is just the tip of the iceberg.
The newest Final Fantasy protagonist is Clive Rosfield, the firstborn son of Archduke of Rosaria. According to the game’s website, he will be accompanied by his brother Joshua Rosfield and Jill Warrick, their adopted sister. The game’s villain is unknown at this time.
Final Fantasy XIV will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5. Its release date is currently unknown.
