A new interview has revealed Final Fantasy XVI development is in the final stages, according to its producer Naoki Yoshida.

The new interview (via blog.livedoor.jp) with Yoshida features the producer wearing a Final Fantasy XIV themed shirt that is coming via their new UNIQLO collaboration.

“Right now, development of our latest title, Final Fantasy XVI, is in the final stages,” Yoshida said. “As a single-player game, Final Fantasy XVI aims to better integrate the story with the game experience. Unlike online games that portray multiple players simultaneously, Final Fantasy XVI focuses on the individual, which makes the story more immersive.”

He added, “I think the story has a lot of depth. I hope that people who have grown up, learned about society, and left the Final Fantasy series, thinking that ‘reality is not as sweet as a game,’ will remember the passion they felt back then. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

News that Final Fantasy XVI development is in the final stages will give relief to fans as it was announced for PS5 way back in September 2020.

While the game was reportedly earlier in development, the staff behind the reveal made sure to include gameplay to avoid people thinking the game is “years” away.

Despite today’s news that Final Fantasy XVI development is in the final stages, rumors claimed that the game was coming “sooner than people think,” but the game ultimately had to postpone its development for half a year.