In a unique collaboration, Square Enix has partnered with the Royal Armouries to display a real-world replica of Clive Rosfield’s sword from the latest installment in the FINAL FANTASY franchise, FINAL FANTASY XVI. The sword, named INVICTUS, is now on display in the historic castle of the Tower of London for a one-month exclusive exhibition.
The exhibition, which runs until 19th July 2023, is located on the first floor of the White Tower, the most infamous castle keep in the world. This marks the first time a sword created from a videogame has ever been housed in the Royal Armouries alongside armour once owned by Kings.
Emma Mawdsley, Keeper of Tower Armouries, expressed excitement about the exhibition, stating, “It’s thrilling to see the historic art form of sword crafting continue to thrive in the videogame space and what better way to celebrate this than by displaying this exclusive sword from FINAL FANTASY XVI alongside the Royal Armouries collection of arms and armour.”
The sword was crafted over several months by renowned swordsmith, Tod Todeschini, who used a mix of traditional techniques and the latest technological advancements in sword making to capture the intricate details of Clive Rosfield’s sword. Todeschini said, “SQUARE ENIX challenged me to bring the sword from FINAL FANTASY XVI to life from the digital world to the real world… I’m very pleased with the finished sword and proud that it will be available for the fans to view alongside the Royal Armouries collection in the Tower of London.”
FINAL FANTASY XVI, set to launch globally on 22nd June 2023 for the PlayStation 5 console, introduces gamers to an all-new story in the Final Fantasy universe. The game takes place in the realm of Valisthea, a land threatened by the spread of the Blight. The fate of the land is decided by the Eikons, mighty summoned beasts, and their Dominants, individuals blessed with the ability to call upon and wield them.
The game tells the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix, Eikon of Fire. Clive soon finds himself caught up in a great tragedy and swears revenge on the Dark Eikon known as Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.
