Final Fantasy 16 will not be released in Saudi Arabia

has been a controversial title

for the best-selling franchise. The upcoming RPG breaks with Final Fantasy tradition as the first game in the franchise to feature more adult content compared to other titles. It is also the

first Final Fantasy game to receive an M-rating

from the ESRB.

The Saudi Arabian Public Authority for Media has not revealed the reason why the game was banned. It is likely related to the adult content that made it an M-rated game. However, it is possible that the regulatory body found other content not related to M-rating unacceptable in the country. For now, fans can only speculate about the reason why the game was banned.

Final Fantasy 16 received an M-rating from the ESRB due to blood and gore, sexual themes, strong language, as well as partial nudity, any of which could have gotten it banned from Saudi Arabia.

Square Enix refused to modify the game to pass regulatory standards in Saudi Arabia. The objectionable content from the game may have been too important to the story that the studio would risk not being approved rather than changing some elements.

Final Fantasy 16 isn't the first title from the series that has been banned from release in the country. Final Fantasy 15 also suffered the same fate as well.

Final Fantasy 16 is coming exclusively to the PS5 on June 16.

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