Square Enix has officially announced the development of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, an adapted version of the famous MMORPG for mobile devices. The project, in partnership with Tencent's Lightspeed Studio, will preserve the essence of the original experience, highlighting the plot, the battle system and other notable features.
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Known for hits like PUBG Mobile, Lightspeed Studio will take over production of the game under the supervision of Square Enix. The expectation is to offer a robust and faithful game, attracting both veterans and new players to the universe of Eorzea.
Faithful adaptation: Final Fantasy XIV on mobile
Producer Naoki Yoshida presented a video detailing the Final Fantasy XIV Mobile proposal. According to Yoshida, the adaptation will maintain essential elements of the title for consoles and PCs, such as missions, “duties” and the class switching system. The graphics, which evoke the style of traditional platforms, highlight visual fidelity.
However, some specific adaptations for touch screens still remain unknown. The publisher assured that the project was “licensed” to Lightspeed Studio. Thus, signaling that the partnership aims to ensure that the experience is faithful to the original, even with the challenges of adapting it to mobile.
New gameplay for Final Fantasy XIV Mobile
Among the new features confirmed are “dynamic battles”, designed to make gameplay agile and intuitive on cell phones. Additionally, class switching mechanics will become simpler, allowing players to switch between professions with a single tap.
The initial version of the game will feature nine playable classes, out of the 22 available in the MMORPG, in addition to 11 profession options aimed at creating items and equipment. It is not yet clear whether the content will be limited to the “A Realm Reborn” setting or whether it will include expansions released later.
Strategic partnership with Lightspeed Studio
The choice of Lightspeed Studio to develop Final Fantasy XIV Mobile reflects the studio's experience in creating games for mobile devices. Hideaki Itsuno, recognized for his work on Dragon's Dogma, was recently recruited by the company's Japanese division, although his direct involvement with the project has not yet been confirmed.
Thus, the announcement marks a new phase for the franchise, which, after more than a decade of success on PCs and consoles, is betting on the mobile audience to expand its player base. With a release date still undefined, Final Fantasy XIV Mobile promises to maintain the quality standard that established the original version, providing fans with an experience that combines nostalgia and innovation.
