Square Enix has officially announced that its acclaimed MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV, will soon be available on mobile platforms. This mobile adaptation will be developed by Lightspeed Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent known for its work on PUBG Mobile. The mobile version aims to deliver an authentic gameplay and narrative experience similar to the original title, with a planned initial release in China, followed by a global rollout.
Final Fantasy XIV Mobile Unveiled
Naoki Yoshida, the producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV Online, expressed his enthusiasm during the reveal trailer for FFXIV Mobile. “I’m excited to announce the development of FFXIV Mobile. This is our latest MMORPG title, specifically tailored for the mobile platform,” he stated.
Commonly referred to as Yoshi-P, Yoshida shared that Lightspeed Studios is dedicated to faithfully adapting the storylines, battle mechanics, and various aspects integral to the original game. He noted, “I hope both current FFXIV players and those interested in exploring its story will look forward to what’s coming next.”
The teaser for Final Fantasy XIV Mobile showcased elements including characters, combat sequences, and the expansive world of Eorzea. Additionally, the mobile version will preserve lifestyle activities such as fishing, Triple Triad, and chocobo racing, which are beloved features of the main game, according to Square Enix.
Reflecting on the journey of Final Fantasy XIV since its relaunch with A Realm Reborn over a decade ago, Yoshida mentioned, “This new mobile game will be a sister to FFXIV, aiming to recreate the grandeur of the original’s story and combat mechanics on mobile devices.” He highlighted that non-combat features, like Disciples of the Land and Hand, will also be designed with care to satisfy the community’s expectations.
In a subsequent Q&A session shared with IGN, Yoshida elaborated on the monetization strategy for FFXIV Mobile, stating that it would be free-to-play and focused on encouraging long-term player engagement. “Our goal is to ensure that players can enjoy Final Fantasy XIV for a long time while generating a small and sustainable revenue allowing as many people as possible to play the game. So, there’s no need to worry too much — just dive in and enjoy the game,” he reassured potential players.
Yoshida also acknowledged the challenges of translating core elements like monetization and gameplay to a mobile format, indicating that feedback had been shared with Lightspeed Studios during development.
Visually, FFXIV Mobile will include sophisticated systems for weather and time of day, offering over 600 distinct weather patterns that enhance various landscapes. Player character designs and equipment will closely mirror those found in the original game.
Currently under development by Lightspeed Studios, known for co-developing PUBG Mobile, the mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV does not have a specific release date. However, Square Enix has confirmed that it will soon be available for demo play through testing phases in China, with a global launch anticipated shortly thereafter.
Launched initially for PC and PS3 in 2013, Final Fantasy XIV is now accessible on multiple platforms, including Mac, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X, boasting over 30 million registered players.
