Square Enix has announced that it will be closing Final Fantasy Brave Exvius on 30 October 2024, just eight days after the mobile game’s ninth anniversary. The move signifies the end of a notable chapter for a title that has enjoyed considerable success and fostered a dedicated following since its inception.
Developed by the Japanese studio Alim, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is a free-to-play role-playing game (RPG) incorporating gacha mechanics. Launched initially in Japan for Android and iOS devices in October 2015, it saw a global release in June 2016. The game quickly attracted a substantial player base, thanks in part to its engaging gameplay and the inclusion of characters from various entries in the Final Fantasy series.
Announcement of Closure and Impact on the Community
In its official statement, Square Enix described the decision to terminate Final Fantasy Brave Exvius as “difficult,” reflecting the gravity of the decision for both the developers and their player community. The game’s servers will be taken offline at 11:59pm PT on the specified date, bringing to a close nearly a decade of gameplay for its users.
Square Enix expressed gratitude towards the community, recognising their role in extending the game’s lifespan. This message of appreciation highlights the strong bond between the developers and the players who have supported the game over the years.
Revenue Decline and Player Base Trends
Despite its initial success, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius has faced a gradual decline in revenue in recent years. According to the last official update from Square Enix in late 2020, the game had surpassed 45 million downloads, making it one of the most successful Final Fantasy mobile titles. However, subsequent reports indicated a decrease in its ranking on app stores, with the game falling out of the top 250 grossing apps and settling around the 1000th position, based on data from market trackers.
While the game did experience occasional revenue spikes during special crossover events, such as the inclusion of Parasite Eve’s Aya Brea in September 2023, these boosts were insufficient to reverse the overall downward trend in player engagement and financial performance. The disabling of all in-game microtransactions on 29 August 2024 further underscored the approaching closure.
Broader Trends in Square Enix’s Mobile Gaming Strategy
The shutdown of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is part of a larger trend observed within Square Enix’s mobile gaming strategy. The company has recently closed several other mobile titles, including NieR Reincarnation, Full Metal Alchemist Mobile, and Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia, all within the first half of 2024. This series of closures also followed the early 2023 shutdown of Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier.
In addition to these closures, Square Enix has also reassessed some of its forthcoming mobile projects. Notably, the company cancelled Just Cause: Mobile in July 2023 while it was still in beta, indicating a strategic recalibration of its mobile game portfolio.
As Final Fantasy Brave Exvius nears its final day, the closure will inevitably resonate with its loyal players, many of whom have dedicated significant time and resources to the game. The end of this title serves as a stark reminder of the fluid nature of the mobile gaming market, where even established games can encounter unforeseen challenges.
Square Enix’s recent decisions reflect a broader shift in its approach to mobile gaming, emphasising sustainability and profitability amidst a rapidly changing industry landscape. The company’s focus on refining its mobile gaming strategy may well influence the development of future projects, potentially leading to innovative new offerings in the coming years.
In conclusion, while the closure of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius marks the end of an era for many fans, it also highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the gaming industry. As Square Enix continues to adapt its strategies, the future of its mobile games will likely be shaped by both the lessons learned from past experiences and the evolving expectations of the gaming community.
