When it comes to anticipated game releases, Final Fantasy XVI is on the list for many. Producer Naoki Yoshida had intended to give more information on the upcoming release by the end of the year. There's a new update today on the impact COVID-19 has had on production and targets of brand-new reveal for the spring.
In the letter from Yoshida, he says that production on Final Fantasy XVI was delayed by almost half a year by the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did the pandemic lead to more staff doing their work from home, but this decentralized system had other effects on the studio team. “This has unfortunately hampered communication from the Tokyo office, which, in turn, has led to delays in–or in extreme cases, –cancellations of asset deliveries from our outsource partners,” reads the update. Yet the team has been on it, and he offers a positive note that the team has been responding to these issues throughout 2021 and are hopeful about the future in the new year.
Their goals with this new focus include improving the graphic resource quality, developing and refining combat mechanics, working on battles, polishing up cutscenes, and overall optimization. While this work continues, the polish and work will hopefully result in meeting their next goal –a significant reveal in the spring.
A message from Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida. #FF16 #FFXVI pic.twitter.com/qtfJUUp6LA
— FINAL FANTASY XVI (@finalfantasyxvi) December 27, 2021
With 2022 just about upon us, Final Fantasy XVI seems to be headed towards a different year than this one has been. With this goal of a new reveal by the spring might disappoint some in its delay, the challenges of working on huge projects during a global pandemic are not to be underestimated.
Yoshida concluded the update with apologies for the delay on new info but also gratitude for all that continue to have patience and stay passionate about the coming release. Even if it takes longer than expected during these understandably difficult times.
You can read the producer’s update at the Final Fantasy XVI site or via the official tweet.
