Square Enix’s action role-playing game, Final Fantasy XVI, was initially being developed as a cross-gen title for both PS4 and PS5.
Speaking during the AIAS Game Maker’s Notebook Podcast (via), Final Fantasy XVI Producer Naoki Yoshida mentioned that the game was initially being developed as a cross-gen game for the PS4 and PS5. He discussed that he wanted the game to have no loading while retaining the the high quality graphics the Final Fantasy series is known for.
Yoshida stated that the development team, Creative Business Unit 3 , had a tough time trying to get the game to run loading-free on the PS4. In order to achieve this, the developer had to drop the graphical quality below that of Final Fantasy XVI. Therefore, during the middle of development, Yoshida and the development team ultimately decided to develop the game as current-gen only title for the PS5.
Recently, Square Enix made a statement addressing the sales performance of Final Fantasy XVI. The company shared that the game had sold 3 million units at the time, which met their expectations but fell short of its sales target. The first-quarter financial results showed a significant year-over-year drop in operating income, which was mainly attributed to the high development costs associated with Final Fantasy XVI and other games being fully expensed. However, this decision placed the company in a favorable position, as future sales of Final Fantasy XVI will directly translate into profits.
Final Fantasy XVI serves as the sixteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game introduces segmented open environments and an action-oriented combat system that includes melee and magic-based attacks. Familiar elements from the series, like Chocobos for area travel and summoned monsters known as Eikons, make their return in the latest entry. Eikons are encountered both as bosses and can be utilized by channeling their power in combat.
