Final Fantasy 16 is set to release its long-awaited PC version on September 17, after launching exclusively on the PS5 more than a year ago. Hiroshi Takai, the game’s director, discussed the possibility of future Final Fantasy titles released on PC simultaneously with their console versions.
He expressed optimism, stating that it’s “possible” and even “likely” that future entries could have a day-one PC release, though the decision ultimately rests with each development team.
Takai’s comments align with Square Enix’s broader strategy, which has been increasingly focused on delivering high-quality games across multiple platforms.
The company’s shift from “quantity to quality” was emphasized in recent financial briefings, where they highlighted a more aggressive approach to multiplatform releases. This indicates that future games, including Final Fantasy titles, could be aiming for wider availability from the outset.
Addressing concerns about the lengthy delay between the PS5 and PC release of Final Fantasy 16, Takai explained that the development team prioritized quality over speed.
He believes the extra time allowed them to optimize the game for PC, ensuring that the port would meet the high standards expected by players. Despite wanting to release the PC version sooner, Takai felt that rushing it would have compromised the overall experience.
Square Enix’s recent history with PC ports has been a mixed bag, with successes like Final Fantasy 15’s PC port contrasting with more troubled launches such as Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Forspoken.
Takai acknowledged this mixed record, assuring that player feedback plays a significant role in how they approach PC development. He stressed that the team worked hard to address any potential issues that could detract from the experience.
The PC version of Final Fantasy 16 will include two DLC expansions and will be accompanied by a demo available on Steam. With high expectations for the quality of the PC port, Takai hopes to build on the success of past efforts, ensuring that the game’s delayed release is ultimately worth the wait for PC players.