Square Enix addresses sales worries for Final Fantasy 16, cites PS5 popularity

Square Enix addresses sales worries for Final Fantasy 16, cites PS5 popularity

Square Enix: Final Fantasy 16 Sales Strong and Promising

In a fantastical turn of events, Square Enix has assured gamers that the sales of Final Fantasy 16 are anything but a fantasy. According to the gaming giant, the PS5 exclusive has made a magical impact, selling an impressive three million copies during its launch week. Now, some critics might argue that this falls a bit short of Square Enix’s lofty sales targets, but let’s not forget the context!

Comparing it to Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which sold 3.5 million copies in just three days, and Final Fantasy 15, which sold a staggering 5 million units on its first day, it might seem like Final Fantasy 16 has some catching up to do. However, we must consider the install base of the PlayStation 5. With a whopping 38 million PS5 consoles shipped globally, Square Enix proudly announced that Final Fantasy 16 exceeded the three million mark shortly after its release on June 22, 2023. Talk about casting a powerful spell over the gaming world!

But hold on a minute, the plot thickens! A recent Bloomberg article added fuel to the fire by reporting a drastic drop in sales during the second week after launch in Japan. It also suggested that Square Enix was wrestling with weak momentum for its flagship franchise. However, Square Enix quickly countered these claims by pointing out the difference in install base between the PS4 when Final Fantasy 7 Remake came out and the PS5 when Final Fantasy 16 debuted. It’s like comparing a Chocobo to a Behemoth! With the PS5 still in its early stages, the sales figures for Final Fantasy 16 are appearing quite euphoric indeed.

In an exclusive statement to GameTopic, Square Enix stated, “Square Enix considers the initial sales results of Final Fantasy 16 to be extremely strong, and we will continue to carry out a wide range of initiatives to encourage even more people to play the game.” That’s right, folks, they are not casting a single healing spell on this one; they’re planning an entire spellcasting marathon!

But what about the critics who claim that Final Fantasy 16 is a disaster in the making? Well, our reliable sources at GameTopic have some insider information to alleviate those worries. Despite the noticeable sales slowdown post-launch, it seems Final Fantasy 16 is far from falling into the abyss. Producer Naoki Yoshida has hinted at upcoming DLC, indicating that Square Enix intends to keep investing in the game’s development. It seems Square Enix has a few game-changing moves up their sleeves, after all.

• Gundam Evolution to Shut Down in November, One Year After Release
• Remnant 2: Top Solo Class
• Jujutsu Kaisen: 5 Characters for Domain Expansion Potential

Now, let’s delve into what makes Final Fantasy 16 such a thrilling experience. While some fans might be divided by its departure from traditional RPG elements, we at GameTopic can’t help but be swept away by its mesmerizing and action-packed adventure. “Featuring fast, reflex-driven, action-heavy combat, Final Fantasy 16 is certainly a departure from what fans may expect out of a Final Fantasy game,” our review stated. “But its excellent story, characters, and world-building are right up there with the best the series has to offer, and the innovative Active Time Lore feature should set a new standard for how lengthy, story-heavy games keep players invested in its world.” It’s like casting a Firaga spell on our hearts!

Being the sixth biggest title by monthly active users globally on PS5 in June, with 13% of PS5 players enchanted by its charms, Final Fantasy 16 has proved itself to be a force to be reckoned with. While it initially soared to second place in daily active users, trailing only FIFA 23, it remained ahead of acclaimed titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty. Even now, it stands strong in fourth place, outsmarting big live service titles such as Diablo 4, NBA 2K23, and even the ever-present GTA 5. Final Fantasy 16 might not be the king of the realm, but it has certainly made its mark.

However, some might argue that Final Fantasy 16 hasn’t performed as well in Japan compared to other territories. Our expert, Louise Wooldridge from Ampere Analysis, suggests this may be due to the differences in regional preferences. Japanese gamers tend to favor younger characters, while Final Fantasy 16 explores darker themes and features an older cast. The game seems to have straddled the line between the core Final Fantasy fanbase and a wider audience, resulting in a unique blend of styles that might not completely satisfy either group. Nevertheless, Final Fantasy 16 managed to attract double the number of players than the next most-popular PS5 game in Japan, making it the crowned jewel in the land of the rising sun.

So, as we eagerly anticipate the next edition in the Final Fantasy universe, Square Enix is already hyping up the winter launch of Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Part 2, aptly named Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Furthermore, rumors of a remake of Final Fantasy 6 are buzzing through the halls of Square Enix. It seems the gaming world never stands still, and neither does Square Enix.

And there you have it, fellow adventurers! The tale of Final Fantasy 16’s triumphant sales, its roaring battles with critics, and its venture into uncharted territories. Will it continue to enchant audiences worldwide? Only time will tell. But for now, let us bask in the glory of another thrilling chapter in the Final Fantasy saga.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for GameTopic. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].