With the recent success of turn-based RPGs such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur’s Gate III, Larian Studios publishing director Michael Douse posted a string of X posts regarding the commercial potential of a modern-day turn-based Final Fantasy game. Pointing out that there is clearly an audience for the genre, Douse thinks a more traditional Final Fantasy experience would be able to sell 9 to 15 million units, given the right pricing and a high enough review score.
According to Douse, the main ingredient of the Final Fantasy franchise is heart. Each game consists of a dedicated team of developers that puts all of its efforts into creating a compelling world, story, and characters. While turn-based combat isn’t necessary to Final Fantasy, he says the gameplay “lends itself well” to conveying the emotions that the games want players to feel.
Douse does not think that all Final Fantasy games should be turn-based. Efforts can be made to make turn-based RPGs more dynamic (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s inclusion of reactive defense options is one example). Still, the decision to make such changes should rest with the developers. That said, he points out that the rising popularity of turn-based RPGs would be a prime opportunity for Square Enix to bring Final Fantasy back to its roots – whether it be through a remake or a new title.
Related article: Square Enix’s non-committal nod to shareholders is not them promising a big comeback of turn-based RPGs, nor praise of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
