The Real Reason Final Fantasy XVI Is Rated M

The Final Fantasy series has historically followed a T (Teen) rating up until Final Fantasy XVI. That said, things changed in Final Fantasy XVI as the game features many graphic scenes that are not suitable for teenagers to view. Let’s dive deeper into this article to reveal why the rating has suddenly been changed by the game’s developers.

Also Read: Final Fantasy XVI Review: An Epic RPG for PS5

Final Fantasy Series History

All the games before Final Fantasy XVI have been created with the intent of being inclusive for people of all ages. This has led to a more children-friendly game with close to no graphical content whatsoever. However, with the release of Final Fantasy XVI, the game’s developers decided to create a more realistic story that doesn’t shy away from showing blood and using swear words. 

Related: How to Get Final Fantasy XVI Steelbook?

More Realistic Story

With Final Fantasy XVI, the game’s developers focused entirely on creating a realistic story that would do justice to the characters in the game and resonate with as many players as possible. 

When Naoki Yoshida, the game’s producer, was asked why the game is now rated M, one of the reasons he gave was that he wanted to clearly portray the trauma that the Protagonist, Clive Rosefield, had been through in a more realistic manner. In order to make anything based on reality and talk about complex and violent themes such as war, he understood that you need to include certain imagery, which isn’t possible under a T (Teen) rating. In reality, this sentiment to ground the game was also shared by the director of Final Fantasy XVI, Horishi Takai, as he has shared his views in many interviews. 

More Strict Regulations

As the times have gone by and the world of gaming has improved by leaps and bounds in the last two decades, regulations for what can be included in a game and still be safe for the younger audience have also evolved with it. 

One example of the rating system being changed is when someone gets pierced by an arrow. Due to the graphics not being as good as before, this would not result in any blood being shown, meaning it could be passed in a lower rating. However, now that this can be shown with much more detail, like the character bleeding out when they get shot with an arrow, this immediately pushes the game’s rating to Mature. 

If a studio wants its game to launch under a T (Teen) rating, they have to restrict itself from incorporating such graphics, which ultimately ends up making the game seem less real and relatable. As such, the game’s developers felt that the Teen rating was much more of a restriction on them than it used to be. 

Square Enix, the developers behind Final Fantasy XVI, understood this dilemma and made a conscious decision early on in the development of the game to not worry about the age rating and focus on creating an engaging story grounded in reality that people can relate to. 

Also Read: Final Fantasy XVI’s RPG Elements Are Barely There

Conclusion

The developers of Final Fantasy XVI have tried their best to create an extremely realistic storyline for their character, which would attract as many players as possible. However, this has led to the use of more graphic content than in the earlier Final Fantasy games, making it a little less appropriate for younger audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Final Fantasy XVI the First M-Rated Game in the Final Fantasy Series?

Final Fantasy XVI is the first game along the main storyline with an M-rating. Final Fantasy Type-O is the only other game with an M rating, but this was not part of the main storyline.

What Does M-Rated Mean?

M-rated games have mature content that may be suitable for people above the age of 17. Conversely, games rated T for Teen mean that they have content that is appropriate for teenagers.

Does Clive Have a Romantic Partner in Final Fantasy XVI?

Clive ends up with Jill by the end of the game as they both share a deep connection since childhood which is further developed in the game’s main story.