The immensely popular MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 is poised to make its mobile debut, thanks to Tencent’s upcoming port.
Final Fantasy 14 Mobile aims to deliver the essence of the gameplay in a format optimized for mobile devices. While specific details are limited, the port will feature both combat and non-combat elements, along with visual dynamics such as changing weather patterns.
Similar to other mobile adaptations, Final Fantasy 14 Mobile will serve as an alternative to the original game. As highlighted in their press release, “experienced players can anticipate a nostalgic experience in a new form, while newcomers can dive into the enchanting world of Eorzea for the first time.” Currently, there is no specified release window, although it will first be available in China before rolling out to additional regions.
“It has been over a decade since FF14 2.0: A Realm Reborn was released, and this new mobile game will be a companion to FF14, intending to faithfully replicate the original game’s storytelling and combat experience on mobile platforms,” stated game director Naoki Yoshida.
Tencent stands out as a significant player in the mobile gaming industry, not just for its own titles but also for its collaborations in developing mobile versions of popular games like PUBG Mobile (in partnership with Krafton), Black Desert Online, and Call of Duty: Mobile.
Originally, the Final Fantasy 14 MMO was exclusive to PCs (the first iteration struggled critically), but it has broadened its reach across platforms over the last ten years. Square Enix and PlayStation have forged a long-standing partnership, resulting in multiple console exclusives, making the game available on PlayStation systems. This year, Square Enix also brought the title to Xbox Series X/S, promising a broader range of its titles for Xbox in the future. With the mobile announcement, the Nintendo Switch remains the only common gaming console yet to host the MMO.
One exciting aspect of Final Fantasy 14 is its cross-platform capability, allowing players to enjoy the game with friends across different systems. However, it’s unclear if this feature will extend to the mobile version, given the distinct experiences that touch controls provide compared to consoles or PCs. Other Tencent titles, such as Call of Duty: Mobile, similarly do not support cross-play with console or PC users, although they do allow cross-play between iOS and Android devices.