Final Fantasy XVI Release Date
In late 2019, rumors about Final Fantasy XVI surfaced due to reports that Creative Business Unit III had completed the foundation for a significant new title. The game was officially unveiled in September 2020, with the trailer featuring real-time footage rather than pre-rendered cutscenes, indicating advanced development and an approaching release. The second trailer, showcasing Eikons, gameplay, and story scenes, was prepared in March but delayed until June 2022 due to the Ukraine invasion and the game’s depiction of warring nations. A pre-recorded message from Yoshida prefaced the trailer to differentiate it from real-world events. The third trailer, revealing more gameplay and the release date, was presented at The Game Awards 2022 in December. The game went gold in late March 2023.
Final Fantasy XVI is scheduled for a global release on June 22, 2023. Notably, it received high age ratings in major regions (CERO’s D rating, PEGI’s 18 rating, and ESRB’s Mature rating). Square Enix’s refusal to modify the game’s content led to a ban in Saudi Arabia due to lack of classification. The game will be a timed exclusive for six months after its release. Although a Windows version was rumored based on timed exclusivity, Yoshida denied knowledge of such a port. Digital and physical Deluxe and Collector’s Editions were available for purchase through Square Enix’s online store, featuring additional in-game items and accessories like an art book and a steelcase with exclusive art. The English and Japanese voice cast was announced in December 2022. English-speaking gaming media criticized the game’s lack of ethnic diversity and the team’s rationale for it. Yoshida’s hesitance to label the game as a “JRPG” due to historical negative associations with the term also sparked a similar response.
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