What Happened to Final Fantasy?
Final Fantasy is a long-running Japanese fantasy anthology media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and owned by Square Enix, primarily known for its role-playing video games. The franchise has evolved significantly since its 1987 debut, expanding into various genres and media, and continues to release new mainline titles, remakes, spin-offs, and even tabletop adaptations, maintaining its global presence and dedicated fanbase. As of early 2026, the series has sold over 207 million units worldwide, with ongoing projects including the conclusion of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy and new mobile and board games.
Quick Answer
Final Fantasy continues to be a cornerstone of Square Enix's portfolio, actively expanding across various platforms and media. Recent developments include the ongoing, smooth development of the final installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, expected for a 2027 multiplatform release, and the launch of new mobile titles like "Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy" in March 2026. The franchise also saw the release of new board games in 2026, demonstrating Square Enix's strategy to diversify its offerings and reach a broader audience, despite some recent mainline game sales not meeting initial expectations.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
First Final Fantasy Game Released
The very first Final Fantasy game, created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, was released in Japan, laying the foundation for the iconic RPG series.
Final Fantasy VII Revolutionizes the Series
Final Fantasy VII was released, marking a significant shift to 3D graphics and a more modern setting, becoming a global phenomenon and one of the most influential RPGs of all time.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Relaunches Successfully
After a disastrous initial launch, Final Fantasy XIV was relaunched as 'A Realm Reborn,' becoming one of the most critically acclaimed and successful MMORPGs globally.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Released
The first part of the ambitious Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy was launched, reimagining the classic story with modern graphics and action-oriented combat.
Final Fantasy XVI Launches on PS5
Final Fantasy XVI, a new mainline entry with a darker, more action-focused approach, was released as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, selling 3 million units in its first week.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Released
The second installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, 'Rebirth,' launched on PlayStation 5, receiving positive reviews but reportedly falling short of Square Enix's initial sales expectations.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Debuts on PC
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was released on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, boosting its sales and indicating Square Enix's shift towards multiplatform releases.
Final Fantasy XVI Sales Reach 3.5 Million
Final Fantasy XVI's sales surpassed 3.5 million units worldwide, including its PC release in September 2024, as estimated by Toyo Securities.
Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy Announced for Mobile
Square Enix announced 'Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy,' a new free-to-play mobile game set in modern Tokyo featuring legacy characters, with a closed beta in November 2025.
Final Fantasy: The Board Game Announced
Square Enix partnered with KessCo to announce 'Final Fantasy: The Board Game,' adapting the first three classic games into a tabletop format for a 2026 release.
FFVII Remake Part 3 Development Update
Director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed that the third installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake series is progressing "very smoothly" and will be a multiplatform release, including Nintendo Switch 2.
Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy Mobile Launch
The new mobile game 'Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy' officially launched for iOS and Android devices.
Final Fantasy VII: Ascend the Shinra Tower Board Game Announced
Square Enix announced a new cooperative board game, 'Final Fantasy VII: Ascend the Shinra Tower,' developed with Arclight Games, aiming for an early November 2026 release in Japan.
FFXIV Patch 7.5 'Trail to the Heavens' Released
Final Fantasy XIV received its Patch 7.5, titled 'Trail to the Heavens,' bringing new story quests, a new dungeon, trials, and the introduction of the Beastmaster limited job.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Final Fantasy franchise, originating in 1987, has grown from a series of fantasy role-playing video games into a vast multimedia empire, encompassing numerous genres, films, anime, manga, and novels. Owned and developed by Square Enix (formerly Square), it is celebrated for its innovative gameplay, compelling narratives, and iconic characters. The series has consistently pushed technological boundaries, moving from 2D pixel graphics to cutting-edge 3D visuals with titles like Final Fantasy VII in 1997.
In recent years, Square Enix has focused heavily on revisiting its most beloved entries while simultaneously developing new experiences. A significant turning point was the ambitious Final Fantasy VII Remake project, which began with the first part in 2020 and continued with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in February 2024. While Rebirth received critical acclaim, its initial sales on PlayStation 5 reportedly fell below Square Enix's expectations. This led to a strategic shift, with the PC version of Rebirth launching in January 2025 and planned releases for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S in June 2026, indicating a move towards broader multiplatform availability to maximize sales potential.
Final Fantasy XVI, released in June 2023 for PlayStation 5 and September 2024 for PC, also saw its sales reach 3.5 million units by March 2025, a figure that Square Enix deemed "strong" relative to the PS5's install base, despite initial reports of slower growth compared to previous mainline entries. This period highlights Square Enix's ongoing challenge to balance high development costs and ambitious sales targets with evolving market dynamics and console exclusivity deals. The company has explicitly stated its intention to reach a wider audience, moving away from timed exclusivity for future major releases.
As of April 2026, the franchise remains highly active. Development on the third and final installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy is progressing "very smoothly" and is in its "final push phase," with the game already in a playable state. This highly anticipated conclusion is targeted for a 2027 release, coinciding with the original Final Fantasy VII's 30th anniversary, and is confirmed for a day-and-date multiplatform launch across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. In the realm of MMORPGs, Final Fantasy XIV continues to thrive, with Patch 7.5, "Trail to the Heavens," launching on April 28, 2026, introducing new story content and the Beastmaster limited job, with the next major expansion anticipated in early 2027.
Beyond traditional video games, Square Enix is diversifying the franchise. March 2026 saw the release of the new free-to-play mobile game "Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy" for iOS and Android, bringing classic characters to modern Tokyo in a 3v3 boss battle arena. Additionally, the franchise is venturing into tabletop gaming with "Final Fantasy: The Board Game," adapting the first three games, and "Final Fantasy VII: Ascend the Shinra Tower," a cooperative board game, both slated for release in 2026. While rumors suggest a potential Final Fantasy IX remake might be "on ice," new merchandise and a prequel picture book for FF9 are still expected in 2026. The franchise's total sales surpassed 207 million units worldwide by early 2026, demonstrating its enduring appeal and Square Enix's commitment to its continued growth across various entertainment formats.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Final Fantasy made different choices?