Square Enix recently approached IGN to inform them that Final Fantasy XVI sales are “extremely strong”. The publisher cites the PlayStation 5 install base as a key point in explaining the game’s commercial success. As the game is currently a PS5-exclusive title, it has so far satisfied Square Enix’s expectations when it comes to sales numbers.
Final Fantasy XVI has sold over 3 million units since its launch, but there has been much debate online about whether or not this is a successful number. Much of this debate originates from a Bloomberg article about the title’s performance in the Japanese market. This article claims that sales dropped dramatically in the game’s second week, which was seen as a sign of “weak momentum” for the Final Fantasy franchise.
However, Square Enix insists that there isn’t much to be concerned about. The PlayStation 5 is a much newer console than the PlayStation 4, and as such has a considerably smaller install base. This is why Square Enix considers the sales of the new M-rated mainline Final Fantasy title to be strong.
When talking to IGN, Square Enix has been quoted as saying “Taking into consideration the sales figures of the acclaimed Final Fantasy 7 Remake and the difference in size of the install base of the PlayStation 4 at the time of this title’s release, we can see that the attach rate of Final Fantasy 16 is considerably high, given the PS5 install base”.
How Strong Are the Sales of Final Fantasy XVI?
IGN claims that sources close to them report that sales of Final Fantasy XVI have slowed considerably. However, this is not much cause for concern. According to Naoki Yoshida. there is still the potential for DLC. This would likely not be considered at all if the game wasn’t a success.
According to Louise Wooldridge, a research manager at Ampere Analysis, Final Fantasy XVI‘s data is promising. In June, the title was the sixth biggest PS5 game by monthly users. In addition to this, the game was the second most popular PS5 title for three days after its launch.
Final Fantasy XVI definitely isn’t going to be the biggest game of the year. Despite this, the game seems to be performing quite well under its circumstances. Considering Final Fantasy XVI’s Mature ESRB rating and its PS5 exclusivity, it should be a hit for Square Enix. The game attempts to be more appealing to Western markets, which explains why the game may be underperforming in Japan.
Globally, the game appears to be doing just fine. The Final Weapon review describes Final Fantasy XVI as an “enthralling adventure brimming with passion”. Final Fantasy XVI is available exclusively on PlayStation 5, but will eventually arrive on PC. Be sure to stay tuned for more coverage of Final Fantasy XVI.
