Square Enix and Tencent Reportedly Developing FFXIV Mobile GameConfirmation Remains Largely Pending
Niko Partners, a videogame market research firm, recently published a report detailing a list of games approved for release in China. The report indicates that 15 videogames received approval from China’s National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) for import and domestic distribution. Among the approved titles is a mobile version of Square Enix's MMO, Final Fantasy XIV, which Tencent is reportedly creating. Also included are a mobile and PC Rainbow Six game, two Marvel IP-based games (Marvel Snap and Marvel Rivals), and a mobile game based on Dynasty Warriors 8.
Last month, reports emerged suggesting that Tencent has been working on a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV; however, neither Tencent nor Square Enix have publicly acknowledged such a project.
The Final Fantasy XIV mobile game is "expected to be a standalone MMORPG separate from the PC game," according to Niko Partners' Daniel Ahmad on his Twitter (X) on August 3, although he noted that this information stems from "mostly industry speculation" and lacks official verification.
Tencent is a leading player in the mobile game market, and this rumored partnership Square Enix has forged with the Chinese tech giant seems to be part of the company's plans for expanding to multiplatform releases. Early in May, Square Enix stated that its new approach will involve "aggressively pursuing a multiplatform strategy" for its flagship titles, such as Final Fantasy.