Final Fantasy 16 has struggled with sales just days after its Xbox Series X/S release. Despite outstanding reviews and recognition as a significant title in a renowned Japanese RPG series, the game has faced difficulties in reaching sales targets on its latest console launch.

FF16 is acknowledged for its influence from Western gaming trends, evident in its more action-driven gameplay compared to earlier installments. Furthermore, its narrative draws from the increasingly popular dark fantasy genre in the West. The game’s publisher, Square Enix, prioritized English voice acting during its development, highlighting its aim to attract Western players.

According to analytics from Lakrix, approximately 22,000 copies of Final Fantasy 16 were sold on Xbox during its launch week—a stark contrast to the game’s performance on PlayStation, where it achieved remarkable initial sales. Notably, the game had a silent launch, or ‘shadow drop’, during an Xbox Games Showcase, which limited its exposure in the lead-up to release.

As the gaming marketplace continues to shift, Square Enix’s decision to release FF16 on multiple platforms was intended to expand its audience. However, early sales figures may prompt a reassessment of its release strategy in the future.