In 2023, a game went on sale that really did not meet Square Enix’s expectations if we talk about sales, Final Fantasy 16, a title that is quite far from the essence of the franchise, being a full-fledged hack and slash, which in part It kept fans on the sidelines. It was widely thought that it was because it was launched exclusively on PS5, so in 2024 it also came to PC, but this strategy would not have ended up working as a last attempt to make profits.
The company faced a significant challenge with computer performance. Since its launch in September 2024, the game has only sold 289,000 copies on this platform, well below usual expectations for one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history.
It initially debuted on PlayStation 5 in June 2023, achieving solid sales on that console. However, the delay of more than a year for its launch elsewhere seems to have dampened enthusiasm, having a negative impact. Upon its release on Steam, the game peaked at just 27,500 concurrent players, a disappointing figure for a big-budget title.
The financial results reflect this poor performance. Square Enix has seen a significant drop in its operating income, while its market capitalization dropped by $350 million. These figures suggest that Final Fantasy 16’s performance on PC not only failed to meet expectations, but also affected financial stability.
Releasing on multiple platforms is a key strategy for expanding the audience for modern games, but in this case, the delay appears to have had a counterproductive effect. This has been one of the main reasons why the company is taking more into account launching on more consoles, a plan that will begin to take effect in the coming months.
Via: T4G
