Square Enix has permanently closed the iOS version of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, leaving mobile gamers unable to access their purchased content. This unexpected shutdown comes after the discovery of a serious technical issue affecting the game’s in-app purchase system.
According to Square Enix’s official announcement, the problem emerged in late January when players reported they couldn’t access their purchased content. After investigating the issue, the company’s technical team determined that the “bug was impossible to fix” while implementing necessary changes to the in-app purchase model. This difficult situation led to the game’s complete removal from the iOS App Store.
The developer is now offering refunds through Apple Support for players who made purchases in January 2024 or later. The base game, which was free to download, offered various purchasing options including a full version upgrade priced at $24.99 and additional downloadable content (DLC) packages.
Industry analysts point out that this shutdown adds to a growing list of mobile game closures by Square Enix in recent years. The company has previously terminated several popular titles including Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia, and Final Fantasy 7 battle royale The First Soldier, though those closures were attributed to declining player numbers rather than technical issues.
The history of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is particularly interesting. The game first appeared on Nintendo GameCube in 2003, where it faced challenges due to its complex Game Boy Advance connectivity requirements. In 2020, Square Enix attempted to breathe new life into the title by releasing remastered versions for multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, and iOS. While the iOS version now gets canceled, other versions of Crystal Chronicles remain unaffected.
Meanwhile, recent financial reports from Square Enix reveal a concerning trend in their mobile gaming division, with net sales dropping by more than 32%. Despite this decline, mobile gaming still generates more profit than their console and PC games, though both are overshadowed by their MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game revenues.
Looking ahead, Square Enix continues to pursue mobile gaming opportunities, with plans to develop a free-to-play mobile version of Final Fantasy 14. The company has specifically noted that this new project will not include gacha mechanics, possibly indicating a shift in their mobile gaming strategy.
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