We previously reported on Final Fantasy XVI seeming like it has more adult content, via ratings board postings.

It seems that the ESRB has confirmed all of that and concluded the title deserves a Mature rating. This is similar to what Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin received from the ESRB.

Here’s their rating summery of Final Fantasy XVI:

Final Fantasy XVI ESRB Rating

This is an action role-playing game in which players assume the role of an enslaved prince (Clive) on a quest to find his missing brother. From a third-person perspective, players explore a fantasy kingdom, complete various quests, and engage in battles against enemy soldiers and fantastical creatures (e.g., trolls, orcs). Players use swords and magical attacks (e.g., fireballs, lighting strikes) to kill characters in melee-style combat.

During fighting sequences, players can perform cinematic attacks/finishing moves by following on-screen prompts. Battles are fast paced, accompanied by impact sounds, cries of pain, and large explosions. Blood-splatter effects frequently occur when characters are slashed and killed. Cutscenes depict additional acts of violence and blood: a character’s hands severed by a sword; a guard’s throat slit by a knife; a character impaled through the chest; a prisoner’s shoulder stabbed and twisted by an interrogator’s blade.

The game contains some sexual material: a character caressing and straddling a man in bed; references to prostitution—sexual moaning sounds in a brothel; dialogue such as, “I’d be happy to show you…provided I can afford it” and “…thank you for your service. My chamber is just upstairs.” Some characters are depicted with partially exposed breasts and buttocks. The words “f**k” and “sh*t” are heard in the game.

As you can see, numerous references include the previously mentioned adult things, such as the prostitution, nudity, and gratuitous violence are stated here. This confirms even more about the mature themes of Final Fantasy XVI compared to previous titles.

Final Fantasy XVI launches June 22nd, 2023 for PlayStation 5.