While Final Fantasy 16 has already tasted both critical and commercial success as a PS5 timed exclusive, selling over 3 million units despite the console’s limited install base, the PC gaming community has been holding its collective breath.
Thankfully, the game’s producer, Naoki Yoshida, finally gave PC gamers a reason to breathe easy after confirming that the PC port is happening, although it’s probably not coming out anytime soon. But, a burning question still remains: is Final Fantasy 16 go the route of being a timed exclusive to the Epic Games Store like some other Square Enix releases? And if so, what would that mean for the fans who’ve been chomping at the bit to immerse themselves in this latest digital realm?
However, there’s a sigh of relief, as a recent report from VG247’s Feature Editor puts an end to all the exclusivity chatter.
According to the editor’s comments on a ResetEra thread, FF16 will be available on Steam right at the time of its release, and any fears of extra waiting time owing to Epic Games Store exclusivity have been laid to rest.
The same source claims that the DLCs aren’t merely tacked-on epilogues but substantial content designed to make its core narrative better, akin to what we’ve seen in Mass Effect or even Final Fantasy 15.
But why the decision to skip the Epic Games Store timed exclusivity? Some gamers think it’s tied to Square Enix’s game engine choices. Unreal Engine games can avoid royalty fees if sold on the Epic Games Store, making it a more lucrative option for developers. But since Final Fantasy 16 is being developed on one of Square Enix’s proprietary engines, that financial incentive isn’t there. In fact, last year at the Tokyo Game Show, Square Enix demonstrated how to install Steam on a PC, potentially signaling the end of their partnership with Epic Games.
Even beyond financial considerations, the involvement of Square Enix’s Creative Business Unit 3 is telling. This is a team known for their MMO expertise, and their other titles are predominantly available on standalone launchers or Steam. It isn’t a unit that just churn out games; they take pride in creating experiences. Fans of the franchise understand that this is not a team that would risk tarnishing their reputation with a subpar PC port.
Square Enix isn’t completely in the clear. The company is still relatively late to adopting a multi-platform approach. The PC port of the Kingdom Hearts franchise remains exclusive to the Epic Games Store. It’s high time that Square enter the modern age of gaming.
And yet, if Square Enix truly embraces multi-platform releases, moving forward with titles on Steam, Epic, PS, Xbox, and maybe even the rumored Switch 2, they could easily transcend their current level of success. In a gaming environment that increasingly rewards flexibility and adaptability, exclusivity is no longer the golden ticket it used to be.
All of this adds up to a singular, resounding message: Square Enix seems to be listening to its audience. By launching its latest Final Fantasy entry on Steam, and with expansions that promise to be worth the price tag, they’re not just selling a product; they’re offering an experience that gamers can embrace without reservation. So, while we’re still waiting for that elusive Steam discount to make the game a no-brainer purchase, the news so far has made the wait a lot easier to bear.
Square Enix may have taken their sweet time to join the multi-platform party, but it appears that they’re finally here to dance.
