Tencent Might Be Developing Final Fantasy XIV Mobile

Tencent Games may be partnering with Square Enix to develop a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV, according to a renowned FF leaker.

The partnership would have started in 2018, after Square’s break with Nexon, which had been developing a mobile version of FFXI but was cancelled.

The information came through a well-known leaker and according to information from Reuter, Square Enix has cancelled a Nier game for mobile to focus on a new game, likely FFXIV.

Given Tencent’s capability and its studios like Timi Studio to create and port quality games for mobile, it’s not surprising that Square Enix has sought partnership with the Chinese developer.

History and Development

Final Fantasy XIV, which was originally released in 2010 and relaunched in 2013 as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, combines traditional MMORPG mechanics with typical elements of Final Fantasy. Players earn experience points by defeating monsters, creating items, and completing quests, which allows them to level up their characters and unlock new abilities.

According to renowned leaker Kurakasis, the development of the mobile game is currently happening, although there is no official information about the progress. The collaboration between Square Enix and Tencent started being publicly discussed in 2021 by Yosuke Matsuda, then president of Square Enix, who mentioned ongoing joint projects but gave no specific details at that time.

Expectations for the Mobile Version

The adaptation of Final Fantasy XIV to mobile devices could be a significant opportunity to revitalize the franchise in the mobile market. Although Square Enix has had mixed performance with other series titles on mobile, such as Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis and Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia, FFXIV’s popularity could be a significant advantage.