Square Enix makes Final Fantasy 16 PC Port official

Now, let's go back to the saga of the PC version. The debate over its existence before the official reveal isn't baseless. An earlier trailer for the game included the phrase "available on PC," only for Square Enix to retract it later. As if dangling the proverbial carrot, Yoshida had previously noted that a PC port is next on his to-do list. He emphasized the transition to PC will take a while due to the optimization requirements. In his own words, "Even if we start optimizing the PC version after the PS5 version comes out, we won't be able to optimize it in half a year."

It was a call to action that couldn't be ignored, prompting work on two installments of DLC to expand the lore and the game's universe.

Optimization indeed stands as a hurdle, especially considering the seamless transitions between FF16's many amazing locations and gameplay sequences in the PS5 version. These aren't technical challenges; they're pillars of the gameplay experience that have to be faithfully recreated on PC. Yoshida addressed the issue, citing the need to work on removing loading screens and smooth transitions between cutscenes and gameplay as key areas that needed attention in the development cycle.

To add another layer of intrigue, let's not forget the Xbox angle. Following the announcement that Final Fantasy XIV is coming to Xbox, the presence of Square Enix at TGS 2023 alongside Xbox does spark speculation. Could Final Fantasy XVI potentially add another feather to Xbox's growing cap of JRPGs?

There's a lot on Yoshida's plate, including the recently announced Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth slated for early 2024 on PS5. But for Final Fantasy XVI, he promised updates on both the upcoming DLCs and the PC version before the end of the year. If there's one thing to take away, it's this: patience will be the watchword for all, whether you're waiting for DLC drops or praying to swap your PS5 controller for a mouse and keyboard. The only certainty is that Final Fantasy XVI's journey is far from over; it's merely gearing up for its next epic chapter.