Whenever a Final Fantasy title sees the light, there are many expectations placed on it. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth on PS5 has generated divided opinions among analysts and players. Although Square Enix is confident and happy with the commercial performance of the title, the company has admitted that overall expectations were not met, despite a positive sales pace. In fact, the game became the best-selling in the United States during the week ending January 25, in both its physical and digital versions, which suggests that, […]
Whenever a Final Fantasy title is released, there are many expectations placed on it. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth on PS5 has generated divided opinions among analysts and players. Although Square Enix is confident and happy with the commercial performance of the title, the company has admitted that overall expectations were not met, despite a positive sales pace. In fact, the game became the best-selling in the United States during the week ending January 25, both in its physical and digital versions, suggesting that, although the desired goals were not reached, interest in the franchise remains high.
According to analyst Mat Piscatella, the RPG managed to exceed initial expectations on Steam, a platform that had generated doubts about its success from Square Enix. During its release, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth reached a total of 40,564 players on its launch day, a figure boosted by a 30% discount that is still available. This contrasts with the PS5 release, where the company acknowledged that the game did not meet the established expectations.
This positive performance on Steam could influence future strategic decisions by Square Enix, who have begun to consider simultaneous releases on consoles and PC. This shift in focus reflects a clear intention to adapt to a constantly evolving market. Additionally, Square Enix has confirmed that the third part of the remake is already in development, suggesting that the process to complete the trilogy is accelerating.
On the other hand, the company has started to change its exclusivity policy by bringing titles like Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection to platforms like Xbox. This move indicates a desire to diversify its releases and make its iconic franchises more accessible to a wider audience.
¿Eres fan de Final Fantasy? ¡Presta mucha atención! Porque Hironobu Sakaguchi, el creador de la icónica saga de Final Fantasy, ha anunciado su regreso al desarrollo de videojuegos con un nuevo proyecto antes de su anticipada jubilación a los 62 años. Este nuevo título será un sucesor espiritual de Final Fantasy VI, uno de los capítulos más… Continuar leyendo “”
Are you a fan of Final Fantasy? Pay close attention! Because Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the iconic Final Fantasy saga, has announced his return to video game development with a new project before his anticipated retirement at the age of 62. This new title will be a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI, one of the most emblematic chapters in video game history, which marked a milestone with its 2D pixel art style and deep narrative.
In an exclusive interview with The Verge, Sakaguchi revealed that, despite having planned his retirement after the release of Fantasian in 2021, the experience of that development was so rewarding that he decided to continue creating. My goal was to tap into my inner creativity to seriously create a role-playing game once again, he stated. This new project, which he describes as a “second part of a massive project,” seeks to combine classic elements with cutting-edge innovations.
Sakaguchi’s legacy is marked by his ability to intertwine nostalgia and novelty. Although Fantasian has drawn comparisons to Final Fantasy VI, Sakaguchi noted that his approach is unique and he will not be limited to repeating past formulas. Our goal is to create something old yet new at the same time, he explained, highlighting that this upcoming title will be a continuation of his “farewell letter” to the video game industry.
Fans of Sakaguchi are already eagerly anticipating his return, anxious to see how he manages to reimagine one of the most iconic franchises of all time. Although specific details of the new game are yet to be revealed, the promise of a work that fuses nostalgia with innovation is an irresistible attraction for fans of the saga and RPG lovers in general, who give us so many hours and take so many hours from us.
Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the iconic Final Fantasy series, has announced his intention to return to the world of video game development with a new project that is shaping up to be a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy 6. This news comes almost 40 years after the release of the first game in the series and only four years after Sakaguchi hinted at his possible retirement following the release of Fantasian in 2021. Sakaguchi has plans for a new game in the vein of Final Fantasy VI. In a recent interview with The Verge, Sakaguchi shared that, although he had thought of Fantasian as […]
Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the iconic Final Fantasy series, has announced his intention to return to the world of video game development with a new project that is shaping up to be a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy 6. This news comes almost 40 years after the release of the first game in the series and only four years after Sakaguchi hinted at his possible retirement following the release of Fantasian in 2021.
Sakaguchi has plans for a new game in the vein of Final Fantasy VI
In a recent interview with The Verge, Sakaguchi shared that, although he had thought of Fantasian as his final project, he found so much pleasure in its development that he decided to continue working on a new title. “The fantastic team that came together to complete Fantasian was so enjoyable to work with that I found it difficult to part ways”, commented the veteran developer. Now, he is working with the same team on this new adventure.
Sakaguchi emphasizes that his goal with the new project is not simply to recycle old ideas. “Our goal is to create something old but new at the same time,” he stated, emphasizing that, although Fantasian has been compared to Final Fantasy 6, his approach to this new game differs significantly. “Drawing comparisons with existing games seemed irrelevant to me,” he added, making it clear that his desire is to explore new facets of his creativity.
This new title, which Sakaguchi describes as “part two of my farewell note,” has fans of the series full of anticipation. With the franchise’s rich history and the promise of a return to its roots, Final Fantasy followers can be excited about what’s to come. Meanwhile, the community continues to closely watch these developments in the legacy of one of the great masters of Japanese RPGs.
Nasir Gebelli, an iconic developer in the history of video games, revealed in a recent interview that he had never had prior contact with the role-playing game genre before working on the Final Fantasy series. Despite being a key figure in the development of the first three titles of the renowned saga and Secrets of Mana, Gebelli confessed that, until his involvement in the Final Fantasy project, he had not seen an RPG. This lack of experience in the genre presented him with significant challenges, but it also gave him the opportunity to explore new creative frontiers. […]
Nasir Gebelli, an iconic developer in the history of video games, revealed in a recent interview that he had never had prior contact with the role-playing game genre before working on the Final Fantasy series. Despite being a fundamental figure in the development of the first three titles of the celebrated saga and Secrets of Mana, Gebelli confessed that, until his incorporation into the Final Fantasy project, he had not seen an RPG. This lack of experience in the genre presented him with significant challenges, but also gave him the opportunity to explore new creative frontiers.
A Programming Genius Who Knew Nothing About RPGs
“I thought it was quite similar to what I was doing for Apple on the same processor,” commented Gebelli, adding that the coding itself was not complicated for him. However, the structure of RPGs, with multiple levels and constant messages, required a more innovative approach in memory and system resource management. “It was a challenge, but at the same time it was exciting to be able to do something different,” he expressed. This mix of uncertainty and excitement underscored the experience of development in a completely new environment for him.
The impression Gebelli left on the industry is such that some developers believe that the remastering of the classic Final Fantasy games could have taken up to 16 years due to the complexity and quality of his code. Gebelli’s initial work not only laid the foundations of the modern RPG but also established a standard difficult to replicate, highlighting his enduring legacy in the world of video games.
During these days, the Magic: The Gathering World Championship is being held in Las Vegas, the biggest competitive event of the game of the year. The best Magic players in the world face off against each other to determine who is this year’s world champion for the honor, a trophy, a quite generous amount of money, and the chance to be immortalized forever on a card. But during the world championship, it is also when Wizards of the Coast presents its roadmap for the entire following year of Magic: The Gathering, showcasing which sets will be released, which […]
These days, the Magic: The Gathering World Championship is being held in Las Vegas, the biggest competitive event of the game of the year. The best Magic players in the world face off against each other to determine who is this year’s world champion for the honor, a trophy, a quite generous amount of money, and the chance to be immortalized forever on a card.
Magic: The Gathering Arena is a free online card game for Windows developed by Wizards of the Coast. Magic is undoubtedly one of the most important and legendary collectible card games, with millions of players worldwide and official competitions with great prizes. Now, thanks to Magic: The Gathering Arena, you can enjoy this card game on your computer for free.
But during the World Championship, it is also when Wizards of the Coast presents its roadmap for the entire following year of Magic: The Gathering. Presenting which collections will be released, what their names and themes are, it’s a peak moment for the game’s fans. Because both at a competitive and collectible level, there is no more magical weekend than this. And while we wait to find out who the next world champion is, we already know everything that is coming in 2025. Or at least, a small glimpse of it.
The foundation of a new standard
For many, the most important part is the collections that will make up the new standard. Those that will form the new canon of competitively playable cards in all formats and that also, make up the narrative of the Magic: The Gathering universe. And they, in this 2025, will not feel disappointed.
On February 7, Death Race will be released, a new collection where vehicles will be the focus of everything as it will be about races across the multiverse. Due to the portals that opened after the fall of Phyrexia, many people have now set up a deadly race across various worlds. And the best racers in the multiverse will compete in it to prove their worth. Shortly after, on April 4, we will return to Tarkir with Return to Tarkir where there will not only be a great predominance of dragons, but also the conclusion of the current Magic story arc.
Everything for the people, but with collaborations
As summer approaches, two things will arrive with it: the heat and Universe Beyond. The Magic: The Gathering collections based on universes outside of Wizards of the Coast, created in collaboration with other companies. And while we can expect to see some smaller collections that we don’t know about yet, which will be presented with less notice, the two major collections this year are very large. Because if last year we had The Lord of the Rings, this year we have Final Fantasy and Spider-Man. With a big novelty: from now on, all these collections will be legal in all Magic formats.
Final Fantasy will arrive on June 13th to Magic: The Gathering as a complete collection for the game with drafting in mind. Spanning the 16 main video games, but with nods to all the games in the franchise, Wizards of the Coast has been working directly and closely with Square Enix to maintain the originality and impact of the franchise. This includes working with some of Square’s artists and illustrators, who will make their appearance here by illustrating some of the cards.
For his part, we will have to wait a little longer for Spider-Man. Still without a specific date, Wizards of the Coast has decided that their collaboration with Marvel, which will extend over the years with several collections and in various forms, will be formalized here with a collection dedicated entirely to Spider-Man. And although they have not given many details about it, they have wanted to emphasize one thing: this collection will be based on the Spider-Man from the comics and not from the movies. So they have more than enough material for one (or several!) card collections if they wish.
The future of Magic: IPs everywhere
Although this is all they have detailed this time, in 2025 there will be much more Magic: The Gathering. To begin with, we already know the last two standard collections of the year: Edge of Eternities and a third unannounced Universe Beyond collection. Confirming that from now on there will be six standard collections, three from Magic: The Gathering and three from Universe Beyond, and that the highly anticipated collection where we will return to Lorwyn will be delayed until 2026. This is not to mention that, before the end of the year, the Marvel Secret Lair is still to be released on November 4th, and the last standard collection of 2024, Foundations.
What do we mean by all this? That Magic: The Gathering has a long way to go. And that it’s okay if something in particular isn’t for you, because it’s certain that at least two other things have been made with you in mind. Because if nothing else, right now Magic: The Gathering has something for everyone. Almost, almost literally.
In the world of video games, there is no composer more famous than Nobuo Uematsu. Even those who don’t know him by name recognize him through the soundtracks he has created: among many others, he is responsible for the music of all the Final Fantasy games to date. That’s why some of the most iconic songs in the medium, only comparable to true titans like Super Mario Bros. or Tetris, are owed to him. And perhaps, from now on, we might not hear more of his songs. Or not as many. In video games. Recently, Nobuo Uematsu has confirmed that he has composed the soundtrack […]
In the world of video games, there is no composer more famous than Nobuo Uematsu. Even those who don’t know him by name recognize him through the soundtracks he has created: among many others, he is responsible for the music of all the Final Fantasy games to date. This is why some of the most iconic songs in the medium, only comparable to true titans like Super Mario Bros. or Tetris, are owed to him. And perhaps, from now on, we may not hear more of his songs. Or not as many. In video games.
Recently, Nobuo Uematsu has confirmed that he has composed the soundtrack for the console and PC release of the new game from the creator of Final Fantasy, Fantasian. Regarding this, he has said that this would be his last project as a composer of music for video games, thanking all his fans for their support. Leaving the entire gaming community devastated.
Except that this is not exactly the case. As clarified on his Twitter profile, Uematsu is not retiring from composing music for video games at all. From now on, his intention is to stop creating complete soundtracks by himself, but he intends to continue working on music for video games. However, since he has turned 65, the Japanese composer also wants to dedicate more time to his original compositions, for which he needs to take on less work within the industry.
In fact, although he has not been as recognized for his work in the video game industry, Uematsu has been a musician with numerous interests throughout his life. Creating music also for anime and cinema, as well as making music as a soloist, as part of different groups, and in projects with other musicians, both inside and outside the video game industry, he is a musician with a career that goes far beyond video games. Not to mention Final Fantasy.
In other words, Nobuo Uematsu will continue making music. Original music, music for video games, but in the case of the latter, it’s unlikely that he will create an entire soundtrack by himself. Something that remains a pity, but is also a natural step. He is at retirement age, and yet, he will continue working. So, given the circumstances, we are grateful that at least we have that. We have Uematsu for a while longer.
Fantasian is a free role-playing game developed by Mistwalker Corporation, available on iPhone. The game was created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series, and is set in an impressive world composed of nearly 160 handcrafted dioramas.
If you think about games that Square Enix might want to revive, your mind might go to myths like Blue Dragon, Sword of Mana, Drakengard, Lost Odyssey or Grandia. Well, Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, has said that if it were up to him, none of these would return to the spotlight, but rather a very specific mobile game that you probably have never heard of.
The game in question is called Terra Battle, and it was born on October 9, 2014 for iOS and Android, with an impressive team behind it: Sakaguchi in production, illustrations by Kimihiko Fujisaka (The Last Story) and Nobuo Uematsu himself in the soundtrack. It was a very Japanese RPG, with touches of both collectible cards and puzzles.
Note: it was successful. Successful enough, at least, to launch a sequel (which lasted only a year and never received love from the public). On June 30, 2020, Terra Battle was suspended and since then no one had spoken about it until Sakaguchi mentioned it as his next goal to revive after releasing the game he is currently preparing, Fantasian Neo Dimension, a remake of the iPhone title that he produced and wrote the script for in 2021. The gamer equivalent of scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Terra Battle reached 1.800.000 downloads and came close to a console version, which they would have made if it had reached two million. So now you know: if you want to see remakes of legendary games, forget about it for now. First, the mobile versions. Then, we’ll see. In this world of continuous remakes and reboots, it would be strange to expect much more.
Square Enix has had a tough year in economic terms, earning more than ever but generating fewer profits, and they have decided to change their plans.
Square Enix has not had the best year in its history. Now that their fiscal year financial results have been published, the numbers are contradictory. The company generated 356.344 billion yen in revenue, around 2.120 billion dollars, which is a 3.8% increase compared to the previous year. The problem is that profits were 32.558 billion yen, around 193 million euros, which is a 26.6% decrease compared to the previous year.
This is explained because the increase in development costs has weighed down its profitability. They have emphasized that the revenues from Final Fantasy 16, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth have performed very well, but due to development costs and the results of other games, they have not performed equally well. Especially when the releases of new free-to-play games, such as Dragon Quest Champions and Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis, have not managed to offset the decline in other divisions.
That is why Square Enix has announced a medium-term plan to improve its revenue. Over the next 3 fiscal years, the Japanese company will rely on four specific pillars. Which will greatly affect us as players.
First, they want to make fewer games, but of higher quality. They will centralize their developments more, sharing resources, in order to reduce production costs. Second, they want to bet on multiplatform releases. That, along with a more aggressive attitude towards discounts on digital games, they hope to improve overall sales. Third, they want to rebuild their operations in Europe and North America, trying to achieve better results in those markets. And fourth and final, they will invest 100,000 million yen, around 595 million euros, to make strategic investments.
All this means that we should see fewer Square Enix games, but better advertised, more polished, and cheaper. Something that should be a net positive for players, as these are changes for the better, especially for the Western audience. Something that we will still have to wait to see results, as it is a three-year plan, but it will undoubtedly give us a better version of the Japanese company.
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Square Enix lost $140 million last year alone on games that were abandoned halfway through, in what they’ve termed “extraordinary losses.” But don’t worry, they already know what they’re going to do.
One assumes, almost like a mantra, that a gigantic video game company with titles like ‘Final Fantasy’ or ‘Dragon Quest’ is impossible to lose money. That it always wins, always goes up, and at most one year will have less profits. And yet, reality comes to hit in the face: Square Enix lost 140 million dollars last year alone in games that were abandoned halfway, in what they have called “extraordinary losses”. But don’t worry: they already know what they are going to do.
Basically, the studio has promised investors, that entity that now decides the future of video games more than any creative, that they will make better decisions on which titles to invest money in from now on. In other words: more ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ and fewer experiments. It’s not an exaggeration: everything seems to indicate that to recover the money in a safe value, Square is going to focus on making remakes non-stop. Of course.
According to rumors, we will see in the coming years Final Fantasy IX, ‘Final Fantasy Tactics’ and ‘Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake’ in what is becoming a trend that can easily catch on. To add even more fuel to the fire, the person in charge of the ‘Dragon Quest’ franchise left his position tired of the delays and not being able to make a game properly.
It should be added that this year’s games, apart from a couple of exceptions, have sold worse than expected, starting with ‘Final Fantasy XVI’ and continuing with ‘Forspoken’, although this is largely due to the slow adoption of PS5 by players (who, by now, will be caught by PS6). What a future we have in the gaming world: Back to the past.
Final Fantasy is having an excellent year in 2024, and it seems that it will only get better with the imminent release of the new expansion for FFXIV.
Few years have been as good for Final Fantasy fans as this 2024. Not only did we receive a new iteration of the main franchise last year, but also Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has just been released, being an absolute success both critically and commercially. But Square Enix doesn’t plan to stop there. Because it seems that their goal, even beyond Rebirth, is to make 2024 the year of Final Fantasy.
There are few expansions more anticipated than the new one for Final Fantasy XIV. The previous one, Endwalker, was released over a year ago, and fans of this popular MMORPG are eager for more. Fortunately, the game director, Naoki Yoshida, has announced the release date: July 2nd.
Named Dawntrail, this expansion will include everything you can expect. This implies a new story, two completely new classes with mechanics very different from anything seen before, and more dungeons in which to demonstrate our skills. In addition, to address all the challenges it will present, the maximum level will be increased to three digits, setting it at level 100. All this in an expansion that will cost $40 and will include all the content from the previous expansions, Shadowbringers and Endwalker.
About the release date, Yoshida wanted to clarify something important. Because as no one will miss, it comes out a week after the Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree. Something that Yoshida joked about giving us a week to play Shadow of the Erdtree and then immerse ourselves in Dawntrailer. Something he finished by saying that there was also another reason for that date: he also wants to play the DLC of the From Software game.
Meanwhile, if you don’t want to wait for the two most anticipated expansions of the year, you should know that Square Enix has you covered. Because the second DLC of Final Fantasy XVI, The Rising Tides, will be released on April 18th and will include new stories, a new Eikon, and a new mode called Kairos Gate, more focused on action. So, if you are a fan of Final Fantasy, you have no excuse not to fully enjoy this 2024. Not when the remake of Final Fantasy IX seems to be on the way.
