FFXIV Mobile Game on List of Games Approved for China

As of August 2, 2024, China’s National Press and Publication Administration approved 15 new video games for import and publication. The report by Niko Partners, shared by Daniel “ZhugeEX” Ahmad, showed the list included Rainbow Six, Dynasty Warriors, Marvel Rivals, and a mobile game co-developed by Tencent and Square Enix based on Final Fantasy XIV. [Thanks, Niko Partners!]

This is the first official announcement of any kind that a mobile game or title based on Final Fantasy XIV was being developed. The eXputer forum user Kurakasis shared a rumor in July 2024 stating a project is in the works. This is the first official confirmation that the game is both in development and co-developed by Tencent and Square Enix, following a 2018 agreement that the two companies would be working together in the future. When Ahmad shared the news on social media, the tweet specifically mentioned by Lightspeed Studios. The report does not list if the game is a spin-off or a full mobile version of the MMORPG that is playable on phones or tablets.

The other games being brought over, including the upcoming team-based multiplayer hero shooter Marvel Rivals and Paper Mario: The Origami King, are imports of products that are either out or are leaving open beta testing and entering full release. The Rainbow Six title, Dynasty Warriors 8 mobile adaptation, and the mobile Final Fantasy XIV game are the two entirely new titles.

Final Fantasy XIV and its newest expansion Dawntrail are available now on PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The FFXIV mobile game is apparently in development and headed to China.