FINAL FANTASY XVI releases 2023 - plus character profiles revealed!

We have some exciting new information about FINAL FANTASY XVI - a new trailer, an update from the development team, character profiles and more!
By Duncan Heaney

The moment you’ve been so patiently waiting for has arrived: here’s another look at FINAL FANTASY XVI!

The new trailer ‘Dominance’ showcases the intensely exciting battles and spectacular clashes between Eikons that you’ll experience in this epic new game. Of course, us just telling you about it does it no justice - we’ll let the amazing trailer do the talking:

Your next question is probably: when can I play this?! We’re excited to announce that FINAL FANTASY XVI will launch for PS5 globally in Summer 2023!

FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot
Hugo in FINAL FANTASY XVI

New characters revealed!

In the world of FINAL FANTASY XVI, Eikons are powerful and deadly creatures that reside within Dominants - a single man or woman who is blessed with the ability to call upon their dreaded power.

We’ve previously introduced you to Clive Rosfield - a young man dedicated to mastering the blade, who is dubbed the First Shield of Rosaria and tasked to guard his younger brother Joshua—the Dominant of the Phoenix.

Today, we have two equally fascinating figures to profile: Hugo Kupka and Benedikta Harman.


Hugo Kupka

Permanent Economic Adviser Hugo Kupka's meteoric rise to prominence was sudden, if not unexpected.

Once a nameless foot soldier in the Republican Army, his awakening as Dominant of the Eikon Titan thrust him to the forefront of Dhalmekian politics. It was here he used his newfound position as the most powerful man in the republic to exert influence over both the nation's armies and its policy making - amassing a personal fortune in the process.

Yet while it is said that a man who has everything wants for nothing, Benedikta Harman will teach him money and power are far from all the world has to offer.

Benedikta in FINAL FANTASY XVI

Benedikta Harman

Having emerged from the storm of youth coldhearted and ruthless, Benedikta Harman - Dominant of the Eikon Garuda, Warden of the Wind - turned her talent for swordplay and subterfuge into a command of Waloed's elite intelligencers.

It is on a mission to find the elusive second Eikon of Fire that she crosses paths with a like-minded Clive and is forced to face her past.


New screenshots

Next up, we have a glimpse at the realm of Valisthea - and some of the beautiful environments of FINAL FANTASY XVI.

FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot
FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot
FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot
FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot
FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot
FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot
FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot

Introducing the development team

We’d also like to introduce you to the talented team working hard on the game. It’s an impressive list of developers, with a frankly outstanding pedigree, as we think you’ll agree:

  • Producer - Naoki Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, DRAGON QUEST X, DRAGON QUEST: Monster Battle Road)

  • Main Director - Hiroshi Takai (FINAL FANTASY V, SaGa Frontier, THE LAST REMNANT)

  • Creative Director & Original Screenplay - Kazutoyo Maehiro (FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, FINAL FANTASY XII, THE LAST REMNANT)

  • Localization Director - Michael-Christopher Koji Fox (FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, FINAL FANTASY XI Online, FINAL FANTASY VII Dirge of Cerberus)

  • Art Director - Hiroshi Minagawa (FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, FINAL FANTASY XII, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS)

  • Combat Director - Ryota Suzuki (DEVIL MAY CRY 5, Dragon’s Dogma and MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 2 (All published by CAPCOM))

  • Character Design - Kazuya Takahashi (FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, FINAL FANTASY XI Online, FINAL FANTASY X)

  • Composer - Masayoshi Soken (FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, Nanashi no Game series, Mario Hoops 3-on-3 (Published by Nintendo))

FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot
FINAL FANTASY XVI screenshot

Updates from the development team

Finally, the game’s Producer, Naoki Yoshida, and Director, Hiroshi Takai, have shared their own updates on the game:

Producer Naoki Yoshida:

“The latest trailer gives players a clearer picture of what actual gameplay will entail. Namely, high-octane battles featuring our protagonist Clive Rosfield wielding a full arsenal of attacks unique to the game's many Eikons (summons). Not to mention epic clashes between the Eikons themselves that put you right in the action.

“The team, under direction of Hiroshi Takai, has entered the final leg of development and is focusing on polish as they continue their march toward launch. With the power of the PlayStation5 console behind us, we're looking to take you on a seamless, story-driven, white-knuckle ride that will rival even the most thrilling roller-coaster.

So, buckle up. The wait is almost over.”

Director Hiroshi Takai:

“In our latest trailer, we've introduced several new Eikons, as well as provided a more detailed peek at our action-packed battle system and the freedom it gives players.

“As for development progress, I'm happy to announce that the game is fully playable from start to finish; though, from optimization to brush-up, there is still a mountain of challenges to tackle as we head into our final push.

Until then, please stay tuned. We’ll do our best to not keep you waiting too long before our next update!”


We hope you enjoyed this fresh look at FINAL FANTASY XVI and are excited to experience if for yourselves in 2023. We’ll certainly have more to share about the game in the future, so make sure you’re following FINAL FANTASY XVI on social media to hear the big news first:

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