By Sagar V. Mankar Square Enix has joined forces with Tencent’s Lightspeed Studios to bring Final Fantasy XIV Mobile to life, an ambitious adaptation of the acclaimed MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV). While the first round of playtests is set to begin soon, they are currently limited to players in China. However, Square Enix has confirmed a global release following the conclusion of the testing phase, though no specific launch date has been announced.
This mobile version, referred to as a “sister” game to the original FFXIV, aims to replicate the grandeur of the original MMO on mobile devices. Naoki Yoshida, the director and producer of FFXIV, shared his vision for the project. “It has been 11 years since FFXIV 2.0: A Realm Reborn launched, and this new mobile game will recreate the original’s story and combat mechanics on mobile platforms,” Yoshida stated. He also emphasized that non-combat activities, such as Disciples of the Land and Hand, would be faithfully implemented to maintain the essence of the original game.
Some of the non-combat features players can look forward to including fishing, chocobo racing, and the Triple Triad card game from the Golden Saucer. The game will include detailed weather patterns, realistic day-and-night cycles, and intricately designed characters and equipment to emulate the immersive world of Eorzea.
The mobile adaptation will retain the social dynamics of the original game. Players will have the freedom to engage with others at their own pace, whether mentoring new adventurers or simply enjoying casual in-game interactions. However, certain key aspects, like cross-progression compatibility and expansions beyond A Realm Reborn, remain unconfirmed. Features such as free trials, housing, and high-level raids, had no additional on.
Final Fantasy XIV Mobile follows a trend of popular online multiplayer games making their way to mobile platforms, joining titles like Diablo Immortal and Monster Hunter Now. Lightspeed Studios, known for developing PUBG Mobile, has positioned itself as a leader in mobile game development, recently expanding its expertise by hiring Dragon’s Dogma director Hideaki Itsuno for its Japan Studio.
While fans worldwide eagerly await more details, the initial playtests in China will offer a glimpse of what’s to come.