According to gaming journalist Imran Khan, Square Enix is panicking over the low pre-order numbers for their upcoming AAA game, Final Fantasy 16.
Khan explained in his weekly Patreon update that with the launch of FF16 nearing, the publisher Square Enix has begun rounding up the pre-order numbers. Apparently, the developer finds it worrisome that pre-orders for the upcoming ARPG are even lower than its predecessor, Final Fantasy 15. The journalist also believes this to be the reason that Square Enix is focusing on achieving timely release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (rumored to be released in late 2023).
The developer is also conducting QnAs with fans on Twitter, just to keep them motivated and optimistic for the future of this incredibly successful franchise.
Single platform release may be hampering pre-order sales of Final Fantasy 16
The lack of multiple platforms for release might be hampering FF16’s pre-order sales. Unlike Final Fantasy 15, which was released in 2016 for both PS4 and Xbox One, Final Fantasy 16 is currently slated as a PS5 exclusive. This might change in the long run, as the Final Fantasy games have eventually made their way to other platforms after release. However, Imran claims that even taking this into consideration, the pre-order numbers are nowhere near what Square Enix hoped for.
Low pre-order numbers hardly make or break the release of a video game, especially considering that Final Fantasy 16 is a mainline entry in one of the most successful video game series in the world. However, looking at the massive budget Square Enix surely spent on its development, it’s surprising to hear it performing so poorly. While sales of such massive releases usually skyrocket after release, pre-order numbers surely help the publisher gauge what day-one sales for the title may look like.
Journalist Imran Khan also shared his worries about Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, wondering if Square Enix is rushing into things and not giving enough pause between the expected launch of two titles. While Final Fantasy 7 Remake was commercially successful, the sales after day-one had slowed down way faster than the publisher expected.
Final Fantasy 16 releases for PS5 on June 22, 2023.
Source – Imran Khan (via Patreon)
