The Final Fantasy fanbase has been in the griller for weeks with media outlets throwing constant shade on Final Fantasy 16’s sales reports. Dismal second-week sales in Japan had long-time fans concerned about the game failing in the same way the previous installment did. But things are changing fast, with the latest reports indicating that Japan is falling for the classic franchise all over again.
Though Final Fantasy XVI sold 3 million copies to FFXV’s 5 million in the first week, a straight-up comparison disregards the fact that FFXVI is tailored to worldwide audiences and that it’s a PlayStation 5 exclusive. Now that Japan’s had a few weeks with the game’s demo, Famitsu has confirmed the sales are better than just “trickling in.”
Latest Famitsu issue touts Final Fantasy 16 as best-selling title
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The problem with Japan’s sales figures lies in its exclusion of online purchases, focusing solely on physical copy sales. So, the 88% decline in second-week sales in Japan may not be as significant as it seems, as only 44% of FF16’s UK sales were physical copies. The ratio of Japan’s FF16 online and offline sales remains a question. This week’s edition of Famitsu gives fans further perspective on this mitigating factor. It features a Bic Camera clerk naming the newest Final Fantasy as the bestseller over Street Fighter 6!
Shop clerk is talking about sales at Bic Camera in Japan. Not worldwide sales.
Source: https://t.co/M1UPqpxXEa
— Genki✨ (@Genki_JPN) July 13, 2023
“One month before the release, there weren’t as many reservations as we expected, but after the trial version, the number increased sharply,” reports the clerk. He goes on to mention how Final Fantasy 16 was never struggling as there was a steady influx of sales before revealing the big news.
Read More: Final Fantasy Could Be Worth More Than $10 Billion Now
The Bic Camera clerk confirms, “It’s the best-selling title at the moment.” This affirms producer Naoki Yoshida was right in staying calm when the fanbase looked like it was dying a few weeks ago.
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Producer Naoki Yoshida is positive Final Fantasy 16 will succeed where FF15 struggled
In a recent episode of Ochia’s talk show, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida responded to an inquiry about Square Enix’s plans to generate profits with its new release. Yoshida assured fans that he’s got an eye on the projected profits and the other on an 18-month plan to increase sales. The idea is to increase sales with community engagement and word-of-mouth as the studio releases the game on more platforms.
Yoshida might have played it cool at the game’s perceived failure because he knows where the fanbase’s heart is. And if this new report is saying anything, it’s saying Japan is only beginning to rekindle its spark for the Final Fantasy franchise. How did you enjoy FF16? Share your thoughts below.
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