Final Fantasy 16 is reportedly ‘coming sooner than people think’

PlayStation 5 console exclusive Final Fantasy 16 is “coming sooner than people think,” a key journalist has claimed.

Square Enix announced the new Final Fantasy instalment during a PlayStation 5 showcase last week. While no release timing was confirmed, the reveal featured almost four minutes of footage from various aspects of the title, suggesting it was significantly into development.

On Thursday Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier claimed that Final Fantasy 16 has been in development for “at least” four years and will likely release “sooner than people think.”

He said on the Triple Click podcast: “I’ve heard from people who know the game, have worked on the game or are familiar with the game’s development that it’s actually been in development for at least four years in some capacity. So it’s coming sooner than people think.”

He added: “15 I think really set a terrible precedent. It was announced as Versus 13 in 2006 and then took ten years to make, so I think they want to shy away from that. It makes sense. 15 game out in 2016, so it’s already been four years since the last Final Fantasy game.”

Final Fantasy 16 is being directed by Hiroshi Takai, the designer who performed the same role for Final Fantasy XIV and The Last Remnant.

Producer Naoki Yoshida (Final Fantasy XIV, Dragon Quest X) said last week that Square Enix was aiming to “provide players an experience unmatched in terms of story and gameplay”, and that Final Fantasy XVI‘s “next big information reveal is scheduled for 2021”.

Takai added: “From the establishment of an all new development environment, to learning the ins-and-outs of the PS5, the team and I have taken on countless challenges during our journey to bring you the sixteenth chapter in the storied Final Fantasy franchise.

“And though we’re pouring our hearts and souls into this project each and every day, it may still be some time before we can get it into your hands. However, I promise it will be worth the wait!”

FF16’s announce trailer originally referenced a PC release, although this was eventually removed. Asked to clarify the situation, Square Enix later said: “We have no further information on if FF16 will be released on platforms other than the PS5.”