Despite Final Fantasy being the world’s most iconic role-playing game series, Square Enix was less than optimistic about the future of the franchise during the development of Final Fantasy XV.
According to the game’s director, Hajime Tabata, the latest game could really have been the final entry in the ironically named series. Speaking during a panel at this week’s GDC conference, Tabata explained that the publisher projected the game would sell less than five million units and if sales were below six million they might have scrapped the series altogether.
Tabata said, “It meant approaching the project believing this was our last chance. If we don’t do it this time, there won’t be a next time.”
Luckily Final Fantasy XV performed extremely well at retail, easily surpassing the essential six million units needed to ensure the continuation of the series. Selling enough units to cover development costs on day one Final Fantasy XV is the fastest selling title the series has ever had.
Given the commercial success of the latest entry we can be fairly certain there will be a Final Fantasy XVI. Let’s hope that game enjoys the same success but doesn’t replicate the 10-year development cycle of its predecessor.
For more Final Fantasy XV action check out the newly released A King’s Tale: Final Fantasy XV, a 2D side-scrolling action game going for free on the PS Store. Final Fantasy XV is set to get its first DLC content on March 28. Episode Gladio offers a different gameplay experience to the main game, letting players control Noctis’ beefy companion for the first time.
In our review, we said that Final Fantasy XV “rises above its myriad flaws to deliver an odd, beautiful adventure that harnesses the power of friendship to maximum effect.”