Final Fantasy 15 cancels three DLC episodes, sets Episode Ardyn for March
Plans for Final Fantasy 15's remaining DLC packs have changed in a big way, as Luminous Productions looks to focus on an entirely new game.
It appears that Square Enix still isn't quite finished with its latest numbered entry in the Final Fantasy series. On Tuesday night, Square Enix aired a prerecorded presentation revealing what's next for Final Fantasy XV. And as it turns out, what's next is a major change from what was originally planned. Three of the four DLC episodes that were set to release have been cancelled.
Episode Ardyn remains on track for a March 2019 release, but Square Enix has officially axed the production for Episodes Aranea, Episode Lunafreya, and Episode Noctis. The DLC road map was laid out as early as PAX East earlier this year.
"I believe many fans have been eager to play these episodes, and the entire development team is regretful that we are unable to meet everyone's expectations," said Final Fantasy XV Global Brand Director Akio Ofuji.
Ofuji cites focus on an entirely new AAA title as a major reason for the DLC cancellations. Resources that were initially placed on the Final Fantasy XV episodes have since shifted to this mysterious AAA game, with Ofuji stating that the hope is to get it out the door as soon as possible. Either by coincidence or as a consequence of these cancellations, FFXV Director Hajime Tabeta has resigned from his post with Luminous Productions and Square Enix. In a letter to the fans, Tabeta noted that Episode Ardyn will be his final work with Square and he will endeavor to launch his own development studio, in hopes of releasing his own gaming project in the future.
However, there's still more Final Fantasy XV content on the way, as the game approaches its two-year anniversary. With that in mind, a new trailer for Episode Ardyn debuted, which takes players back to before the main story took place.
"What I wanted to depict the most is showcasing Ardyn as he becomes enraged, or feels hatred and sorrow," said Episode Ardyn director Takefumi Terada. "A huge aspect we wanted to show players was his human qualities, so I see that point being one of the biggest highlights."
This is the first Final Fantasy XV special to air since January's announcement of the Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition and Windows Edition, but looks to be one of the last ones, as production appears to be winding down. Episode Ardyn will be accompanied by an animated short, which will all act as a prologue to the main story. No price has been given for this DLC pack, but it's set to arrive in March for all of the game's platforms.
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