E3 2021 is less than a month away, and the excitement is palpable for fans. Scores of major industry names have confirmed their presence at the show, making the yearly expo’s digital resurrection an event to be anticipated. Companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and more will be present at the event, whether through independent conferences or as part of another show. TheE3 2021 schedule has not been released yet, so the specifics of when and where are currently unclear. Rumors state that Bandai Namco and Square Enix have standalone shows, something Square Enix is no stranger to, and both are said to have their own Nintendo Direct-like branding.
This gives Square Enix the perfect opportunity to show off some of its big upcoming games.Forspokenwill probably be a centerpiece in its presentation, given that it is set to release in 2022.Life is Strange: True Colorswill probably make an appearance, andMarvel’s Avengerswill likely get another content roadmap update.Neo: The World Ends With Youwill almost certainly be present, as it is set to release later this summer. However, one other game that could command attention at Square’s show this year isFinal Fantasy 16. There’s a very strong likelihood of it showing, and being the most radical departure from a typicalFinal Fantasygame yet, expectations forFinal Fantasy 16are through the roof.
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Why Final Fantasy 16 Could Be At E3 2021
There is already a lot of evidence thatFinal Fantasy 16is going to appear at E3 2021, and in a big way. First and foremost, producer Naoki Yoshida ofFinal Fantasy 14fame has already promised a“big” announcement forFinal Fantasy 16in 2021. It’s very possible that this will include a more detailed reveal of the game’s plot, gameplay, and characters. As the Square Enix E3 conference this year will probably take the form of a “Square Enix Presents” showcase, it will have all the pomp and circumstance it needs to announce something so important.
There’s also the chance thatFinal Fantasy 16’s release date could appear, if only because of other evidence forFinal Fantasy 16’s E3 appearance. Back in October 2020, Square Enix posted a recruitment page that, when translated, saidFinal Fantasy 16had already completed its basic development. Furthermore, in late March 2021, the PlayStation Store changed the release date set forFinal Fantasy 16. Beforehand, the store listed the game’s launch as TBC, but now theFinal Fantasy 16page states the game’s release date is “coming soon.” By the sound of all this, it seems likeFinal Fantasy 16is coming along nicely, and is primed for a big reveal.
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Square Enix’s Final Fantasy E3 History
Another reasonFinal Fantasy 16is likely to be at E3 2021 is because Square Enix has shown it understands the reach of E3, and likes to save big game news blowouts for the event. The most recently announcedFinal Fantasyhas been a regular sight at E3 over the years. All the way back in 2006, Square Enix announcedFinal Fantasy Versus 13at its E3 press conference. It was a shocking event, as it also included the announcement ofVersus 13being part of theFabula Nova Crystallis universebesideFinal Fantasy 13andFinal Fantasy Agito 13.Versus 13was later reinvented asFinal Fantasy 15, and resumed its E3 showings after having done so.
Final Fantasy 15wasn’t the only Square Enix title to frequent the E3 stage over a long period of time.Final Fantasy 7 Remakeis the most recent example of long-awaited Square Enix games being announced at E3, disappearing, and then reappearing at E3.Final Fantasy 7 Remakefirst appeared out of the blue at Sony’s press conference in 2015. While these majorFinal Fantasygames also received trailers and press releases outside of E3, some of the bigger things tended to be saved for the industry event.
Of special note was the time in 2019 when theFinal Fantasy 7 Remakerelease date trailerwas revealed during the Final Fantasy 7: A Symphonic Reunion concert. An extended preview of combat and the first chapter was premiered at Square Enix’s E3 conference almost immediately afterward.Final Fantasyis a major franchise for Square Enix, and it always tries to get it in front of as many eyes as possible.
Final Fantasy 16 is Probably Square Enix’s Trump Card
While it was already mentioned that Square Enix has a lot to bring to E3 2021, there’s a good chance thatFinal Fantasy 16will be the opening or ending game in Square’s presentation. The game that serves its opposite time slot, whichever it ends up being, will almost certainly beForspoken. Formerly known asProject Athia, Square Enix is primed to begin a new fantasy IP under the much-hyped Luminous Productions studio.Forspokenis made by formerFinal Fantasy 15developers, and will be an action RPG set in a whole new open world. The ambition behind this project is palpable, but no new first-party Square Enix franchise can takeFinal Fantasy’s throne.
The other titles expected to be part of Square Enix Presents are a variety of smaller affairs.Marvel’s Avengers, due to its disastrous launch, probably won’t get a lot of stage time outside of another roadmap update, or a showing for the War for Wakanda expansion. Still, it will probably be the game that represents Square Enix’s western divisions at the conference, barring any new titles.
Life is Strange: True Colorswill probably make an appearance, and perhaps even receive a release date, but its audience can’t compare to that of aFinal Fantasy.Neo: The World Ends With Youwill almost certainly be present for its July release, but the game has already revealed a lot through trailers and press releases. All in all, not much can hold a candle to the brand power invested inFinal Fantasy 16.
