Hamaguchi, the game director, assures fans that development on the sequel is progressing well, but urges patience for further updates. He highlights the success of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in 2024, citing its award wins and global appeal as a foundation for expanding the game's fanbase with unique challenges in the upcoming third installment.
Hamaguchi also acknowledges the impact of Grand Theft Auto VI, expressing admiration for Rockstar Games and their team's work under the pressure of GTA V's massive success.
While specifics regarding the third game remain undisclosed, Hamaguchi confirms smooth development progress. This is notable given the recent release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. He promises a unique experience for players.
Despite this positive outlook, the director acknowledges that Final Fantasy XVI's May 2024 launch sales underperformed initial projections, falling short of the fiscal year's forecast. While exact figures remain unannounced, Square Enix maintains that neither Final Fantasy XVI nor Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's sales constitute complete failures, with potential for both titles to still meet their long-term goals within their respective projected timelines.