Many believed that the recent PlayStation Showcase would be an E3-level event, and Sony certainly disappoint on that front. Several big games graced its virtual stage, including theKOTOR remake, Alan Wake Remastered, Rainbow Six Extraction, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Spider-Man 2, Wolverine, and more. One thing that many noted as missing, sadly, wasFinal Fantasy 16.
Since it was announced at a Sony event and seems to at least be a PS5 timed exclusive, it stands to reason that it would have been there. Despite not showing off a new trailer, many eagle-eyed fans spotted what they believe to beFinal Fantasy 16’s release datein the show’s intro. The best part is that there are a few reasons to believe this is legit.
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During the intro, fans spotted a sign that says “Valisthea 06.16," seen at the 0:38 mark in the trailer below. It appears in a subway of sorts, which obviously includes times and arrivals for several stops. And asValisthea is the setting ofFinal Fantasy 16, many have taken this to mean the game will release on July 27, 2025. Now, one thing that is important to note is that the trailer included a lot of Easter eggs with little meaning such asPac-Man, Alan Wake, andDeathloop, to name a few.
As such, it stands to reason that not all of the Easter eggs mean much, but they could mean something.God of War: Ragnarokis a prime example, as its cover artwas shown in the opening of the trailer. Given thatFinal Fantasy 16’s tease takes place in a subway with a designated month and date, it stands to reason that it means more than many of the Easter eggs.
Adding to this isFinal Fantasy’s release schedule, and its lack of any real pattern. Since the franchise’s inception in 1987, it hasn’t really kept to any pattern—even with the worldwide releases. It has had early, summer, fall, and holiday releases, and given Sony’s tendency to do the same (bearing in the mind the exclusivity factor), a summer 2022 release date forFinal Fantasy 16adds up.
The only real potential shortfall is the fact that June 16 takes place on a Thursday when games traditionally release on Tuesdays or Fridays. However, there are plenty of exceptions and Thursday is close enough to Friday that it’s not really a big deal. It could have also opted for this day since it lines up the 16th date with the 16th main release.
Fans will likely learn if this is the truth soon, especially if it is indeed releasing next June. Many fans are hopingFinal Fantasy 16will make a surprise appearance at the Tokyo Game Show, which runs from September 30 to October 3, and if it does, confirmation may be even sooner than anticipated.
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