Square Enix recently dropped a huge announcement that Final Fantasy XIV will be coming to mobile on iOS and Android and will start with the fan favorite, A Realm Reborn. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn originally dropped in August of 2013 and immediately revived the MMORPG. In an exclusive interview with IGN, producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, spoke his and the teams excitement for the project:
While we were keen on the idea of a mobile version, we had doubts about adapting some core aspects such as monetization and core gameplay to be more accessible to mobile users. Therefore, we provided challenging feedback to the Final Fantasy XIV Mobile dev team.
Yoshida also discussed how the team made sure that the two versions of the game would provide different experiences for players:
Of course, Final Fantasy XIV and FFXIV Mobile will be developed and operated independently, with FFXIV naturally being ahead in its release schedule. However, we see FFXIV Mobile as a sister title and we are thoroughly involved in its supervision. We will continue to provide guidance and feedback as the project moves forward, hoping that both versions will grow hand-in-hand.
He would go on to discuss how the team adjusted the battle system for mobile players:
In particular, when it comes to the battle system, which involves player parties, we had to adjust each duty and its mechanics to ensure players would have a satisfying experience. Our battle and content designers as well as myself personally played through early builds and provided feedback on how to create a multiplayer experience that would be enjoyable to mobile users.
Overall, Yoshida and his team want to ensure the players come first:
Our goal is to ensure that players can enjoy Final Fantasy XIV for a long time while generating a small and sustainable revenue allowing as many people as possible to play the game. So, there's no need to worry too much -- just dive in and enjoy the game
For us, there's no finish line. As long as I'm still around and haven't retired I will continue to give my all to Final Fantasy XIV.
Pre-Register for Final Fantasy XIV Mobile is now available on iOS and Android.