A recent report from the video game market research firm Niko Partners has sparked excitement among gamers with the revelation that Square Enix and Tencent might be collaborating on a mobile version of the popular MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV. This news comes as part of a broader announcement detailing 15 video games approved by China's National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) for domestic release, highlighting the growing trend of major gaming titles venturing into the mobile space.
Among the approved titles, a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV stands out, reportedly being developed by Tencent. This list also includes other anticipated games such as a mobile and PC version of Rainbow Six, Marvel Snap, Marvel Rivals, and a mobile game based on Dynasty Warriors 8. While rumors about Tencent working on a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV surfaced last month, neither Tencent nor Square Enix have officially confirmed these developments.
According to Daniel Ahmad from Niko Partners, the Final Fantasy XIV mobile game is expected to be a standalone MMORPG, distinct from its PC counterpart. However, Ahmad clarified on his Twitter (X) on August 3 that this information stems largely from industry chatter and lacks official confirmation. This cautious approach underscores the speculative nature of the news, yet it doesn't dampen the enthusiasm surrounding the potential project.
Tencent's involvement in this rumored project is particularly noteworthy, given its dominant position in the mobile gaming industry. The partnership with Square Enix aligns with the latter's strategy, announced in May, to aggressively pursue a multiplatform approach for its flagship titles, including Final Fantasy. This move is indicative of Square Enix's broader ambition to expand its reach and cater to the growing demand for mobile gaming experiences.
