Square Enix has shared more details regarding the recently announced Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, revealing that the game will begin following the storyline of Final Fantasy XIV Online: Realm Reborn, rather than that of the original Final Fantasy XIV Online, which was eventually replaced by A Realm Reborn after a disastrous initial launch.
A Realm Reborn was Square Enix’s attempt to right the wrongs of the game’s troubled beginnings, and was generally well-received, so it’s not too surprising that the game’s creators are starting there. Final Fantasy XIV producer and director Naoki Yoshida says he hopes the mobile game will catch the attention of new players.
“We’ve poured a lot of love and care into bringing Final Fantasy XIV to mobile, ensuring that the heart of the game remains intact, while also making it accessible for a wider audience,” Yoshida recently shared (via IGN). “Whether you’re embarking on a grand adventure or joining forces with friends for an epic raid, A Realm Reborn on mobile delivers a true Final Fantasy experience that you can take anywhere.”
While the game will initially launch with the same base content as A Realm Reborn, Square Enix has confirmed that it will continue to receive new updates and expansions, including content from later Final Fantasy XIV patches. Future updates will bring the story of Heavensward and beyond to mobile, allowing players to experience the game’s iconic expansions in full.
Interestingly, Final Fantasy XIV Mobile will be free to play, and may not include gacha monetization tactics. Instead, Yoshida says the team is more focused on keeping things “sustainable.”
Our goal is to ensure that players can enjoy Final Fantasy XIV for a long time while generating a small and sustainable revenue, allowing as many people as possible to play the game,” he explained. So, there’s no need to worry too much–just dive in and enjoy the game.
As for the future of the game, more updates are on the horizon.
“This is just the beginning,” Yoshida said. “We have plans to bring more content from the entire Final Fantasy XIV saga to mobile. We’re looking forward to seeing how players interact with the game and what new ideas they bring to the table.
Developed by Tencent subsidiary Lightspeed Studios–also known for PUBG Mobile and the now-defunct Apex Legends Mobile, among other titles–Final Fantasy XIV Mobile does not yet have a release date, but a playtest is said to be taking place in China sometime in the new future.