Rumors are swirling online about the possibility of FFXIV, the acclaimed MMORPG, setting sail for mobile devices. According to industry leaker Kurakasis, Tencent Games and Square Enix are collaborating to bring the expansive adventure directly to your smartphone.
A Track Record of Collaboration
This wouldn't be Square Enix's first venture into mobile Final Fantasy titles, though past results have been somewhat inconsistent. Titles like Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis were decent but failed to fully captivate the fanbase. Furthermore, Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia was discontinued last year. Porting a fully-featured MMORPG like FFXIV to mobile is therefore a significant and ambitious project.
It's crucial to remember this information is currently unverified, as Square Enix has not made any official announcements. However, there is some precedent for a partnership. The two companies initially discussed a content collaboration back in 2018. Then, in 2021, former Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda confirmed they had held multiple discussions with Tencent regarding several projects in development. So, while still a rumor, the news doesn't come completely out of left field.
The leak from Kurakasis provides no projected timeline, leaving us to speculate whether this is an early-stage project or even a guaranteed release. An official confirmation may still be a long way off.
The real question is whether Square Enix can successfully adapt FFXIV's complex systems for a mobile platform without compromising the depth that players love. It will be fascinating to see their approach. However, if the final product is a clunky or simplified version of the original, it could ultimately disappoint the dedicated community.
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