Final Fantasy fans anticipating the next major installment in the iconic RPG series will find the latest announcement… unexpected. Square Enix and KessCo have collaboratively revealed a Final Fantasy board game, slated for release in the third quarter of . While the franchise continues to deliver digital experiences like the ongoing Final Fantasy VII Remake project, this marks a significant foray into tabletop gaming.
The board game, titled Final Fantasy: The Board Game, draws inspiration from the “Pixel Remaster Era” of the classic titles – specifically, Final Fantasy I, II, and III. This initial release will adapt the core mechanics and narratives of these foundational games into a tabletop format, aiming for accessibility and collectibility, according to KessCo CEO Alex Kessler.
This isn’t simply a reskinning of an existing board game. The game is designed to capture the essence of the original turn-based combat systems that defined the early Final Fantasy titles. Players will assume the roles of familiar protagonists, embarking on a journey across the board to engage in battles, level up their characters, and collect valuable treasures. The inherent structure of the classic games lends itself well to a board game adaptation, simplifying the translation of RPG elements into a physical, interactive experience.
The announcement arrives amidst a period of considerable activity for the Final Fantasy franchise. Development continues on Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, with a port to the Nintendo Switch 2 anticipated, though performance expectations remain tempered. More significantly, rumors persist regarding a remake of Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy Tactics, with both projects reportedly in active development, though a release in is considered unlikely.
Square Enix’s broader pipeline also includes potential future installments in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, tentatively referred to as Final Fantasy VII: Return, which would conclude the narrative arc begun with Remake and continued in Rebirth. However, updates on other long-awaited projects, such as Kingdom Hearts IV and Dragon Quest XII, are not expected in the immediate future.
The board game announcement, while a departure from traditional video game releases, signals Square Enix’s willingness to explore new avenues for engaging with its fanbase. The partnership with KessCo suggests a commitment to quality and a desire to deliver a faithful adaptation that honors the legacy of the Pixel Remaster series.
While the digital realm remains the primary focus for many Final Fantasy fans, the board game offers a unique opportunity to experience the beloved franchise in a new and tangible way. The success of this initial venture could pave the way for further tabletop adaptations, potentially encompassing other titles within the expansive Final Fantasy universe.
Beyond the board game, the anticipation surrounding Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy Tactics remakes continues to build. Insiders suggest that both projects are actively in development, indicating that Square Enix is committed to revisiting these fan-favorite titles. The timing of an official announcement remains uncertain, but the prospect of modernized versions of these classic RPGs is undoubtedly exciting for long-time series enthusiasts.
The release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Nintendo Switch 2 is also a key event on the horizon. While details remain scarce, the port is expected to showcase the capabilities of the new hardware and bring the critically acclaimed RPG to a wider audience.
In addition to the major projects outlined above, Square Enix recently released Final Fantasy: Moogle Bounty Mayhem, a board game centered around the beloved Moogle characters. This release demonstrates the company’s growing interest in the tabletop gaming market and its willingness to experiment with different facets of the Final Fantasy universe.
