FFXIV Mobile Approved in China's Game Lineup

A recent report from video game market research firm Niko Partners has shed light on an exciting development for fans of Square Enix's acclaimed MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV. According to the report, a mobile version of the game is on the horizon, developed in collaboration with Tencent, one of the giants in the mobile gaming industry. This news comes amidst a list of 15 video games approved by China's National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) for import and domestic release in the country. Alongside Final Fantasy XIV for mobile, the lineup includes a mobile and PC version of Rainbow Six, two Marvel-based games, Marvel Snap and Marvel Rivals, and a mobile game inspired by Dynasty Warriors 8.

While rumors of Tencent working on a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV have been circulating since last month, neither Tencent nor Square Enix has officially confirmed these developments. Daniel Ahmad from Niko Partners hinted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on August 3 that the mobile game is "expected to be a standalone MMORPG separate from the PC game," though he emphasized that this information is based largely on "industry chatter" and lacks official confirmation.

Tencent's involvement in the project aligns with its significant role in the mobile gaming sector. This rumored collaboration with Square Enix seems to fit into the latter's broader strategy of expanding its flagship titles across multiple platforms. In May, Square Enix announced its intention to "aggressively pursue a multiplatform strategy" for games like Final Fantasy, indicating a shift towards reaching a wider audience through diverse gaming platforms.