Final Fantasy 16 Is in the 'Final Stages of Development'

Final Fantasy 16's producer Naoki Yoshida has said the game is in its final stages of development.

Yoshida confirmed the progress in a pamphlet that accompanied the franchise's official clothing line, translated by Twitter user @aitaikimochi, saying "We're in the final stages of development for the numbered game in the series, Final Fantasy XVI."

Yoshida added that he thinks the game's story, which is obviously a very different experience from Final Fantasy 14 Online (which he also produces), is a fleshed-out experience that will bring older fans back.

Yoshida Naoki says that FF16 is already in the final stages of development, and he says the story is a very well fleshed out one.

His comment was released in the Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary Uniqlo magazine. Here’s the full translation! pic.twitter.com/X23AFqOXfJ— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) April 29, 2022

"Unlike an online game that involves many players at the same time, Final Fantasy 16 offers a different experience where it focuses on the individual player and immerses you in the story," he said per the translation.

"For those who have grown up and realised that reality isn't kind to you and have drifted away from Final Fantasy, we hope that Final Fantasy 16 will be a game that can bring back anew the passion that you once had with the series."

Yoshida has been fairly open about the game's development timeline. He said in July last year that the story and English voice over was almost complete but the game was later delayed as a result of COVID-19.

He also promised that a big reveal would take place in spring this year, meaning it may not be long before fans find out when they can expect to play the game.

Given that Final Fantasy 16's development is in its final stages, and 2022 marks the franchise's 35th anniversary, it would certainly make sense for Square Enix to release the first mainline entry since 2016 this year.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.