Final Fantasy 16 PC Launch Is Even Worse Than Final Fantasy 15

Final Fantasy 16 has officially launched on PC but has received a lukewarm reception, peaking at only 16,947 concurrent players on Steam shortly after its release. This performance is significantly lower than its predecessor, Final Fantasy 15, which peaked at nearly 30,000 players during its launch. Even though Final Fantasy 16 is accessible on both Steam and the Epic Games Store, its absence from Steam's top sellers list indicates a disappointing start for Square Enix. The game was released 15 months post its PS5 debut, and its initial sales on that platform also fell below expectations. Nonetheless, user reviews suggest players appreciate the port, though the low player count may hinder mod creation opportunities.

Final Fantasy 16's underperformance on PC can be attributed to a combination of factors including a long delay in the PC release, lower player interest compared to previous installments, and a divided player base due to availability on multiple platforms. Additionally, the game's sales on PS5 were already considered disappointing, setting a challenging precedent for its PC launch.

Final Fantasy 16, part of the long-standing Final Fantasy franchise developed by Square Enix, is an action RPG that features a darker narrative and more real-time combat compared to its predecessors. Set in the fantasy realm of Valisthea, the game centers around political turmoil and the struggle for dominance among nations powered by magical crystals. The title aims to showcase the franchise's evolution while maintaining the rich storytelling and character development fans have come to expect.