Final Fantasy XIV is the latest massively multiplayer online mobile game, along with titles like Diablo and Monster Hunter.
This game is being developed by LightSpeed Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent, also known for PUBG Mobile. Recently, Hideaki Itsuno, director of Dragon’s Dogma, was added to its team, as part of the newly established Japan Studio.
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The official announcement describes it as an «exciting expansion of the beloved franchise» and states that it will recreate the «captivating experience of the original title in a new, mobile-friendly format». Although it has not been confirmed whether the new mobile title will include cross-progression or any of the expansions, LightSpeed Studios intend to retain lifestyle activities such as fishing, Triple Triad and chocobo races.
In a statement accompanying the release, the producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV, Naoki Yoshida, described the new edition as «the sister of Final Fantasy XIV».
«It has been 11 years since the release of FFXIV 2.0: A Realm Reborn and this new mobile game will be a sibling of FFXIV. Its goal is to recreate the grandeur of the original story and the combat mechanisms on mobile devices», said Yoshida. «Non-combat features will also be faithfully incorporated, such as Disciples of the Land and Hand, and we hope to evolve alongside the passionate FFXIV community».
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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was released in 2013 and has achieved massive success, launching many acclaimed expansions, such as Dawntrail earlier this year. It has been praised for the respect with which it handles the story of Final Fantasy, its rich narrative and its numerous features.
The announcement states that the mobile version will allow players to «immerse themselves in the highly designed visual experience offered by Eorzea on mobile». It will include «complex weather systems and day-night cycles» with «over 600 weather patterns across various landscapes». The development teams have worked on optimizing the character and equipment designs of the original game. IGN has requested clarification on whether the release will initially include only the content of A Realm Reborn.
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Final Fantasy XIV Mobile has not yet set a release date, but a demo will be available for game testing in China. The worldwide release is expected to follow soon.
Source: ign
