Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
[Update] Square Enix Strongly Hints At, But Doesn't Guarantee, 2016 Release For FFXV
Update: We caught up with Final Fantasy director Hajime Tabata this morning to clarify the release window for Final Fantasy XV. The director had more information for us, giving us hope for the full game next year.
Earlier today, Gamespot reported that Tabata confirmed a 2016 release. When we checked in, Tabata said that Final Fantasy XV definitely will not be released this year. He would also be quite disappointed if it released as late as 2017.
A Square Enix representative told us that more specific release details will be coming soon, as we reported yesterday in the original story below. The company would not confirm that the game will be released in 2016 or, to directly address what Tabata said to Gamespot, that it won't slip to 2017.
Original Story:
Today at Gamescom, I had the pleasure of chatting with Final Fantasy XV director Hajime Tabata. Tabata discussed the long-running project's progress and if we'll hear a release date soon.
We've been awaiting a long time for Final Fantasy XV to reach the light of the day, but we're inching closer to a release date announcement. At last year's TGS, Tabata said Final Fantasy XV was about 50 to 60 percent complete. After releasing a demo and an update to it, he says the project is now around 65 percent." We can see the release date now," Tabata says.
Although, Final Fantasy XV didn't have an E3 presence, the game is about to get its time to shine with upcoming shows like PAX Prime and TGS, which will feature new information and footage. "We are seeing these big events, such as Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show, and PAX Prime to kickstart the promotional phase," he adds.
When asked what the estimated release window just might be, Tabata was coy, saying "It's probably when you're imagining it. I can't tell you in my official capacity."
Let's hope that means it's sooner rather than later, but we can't imagine Square Enix committing to a release window or date without being sure it can deliver. After all, the long-awaited project can't afford another delay.
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
