There are still a lot of questions surrounding Final Fantasy 16 after the title was revealed during Sony's recent PlayStation 5 Showcase. As more information appears regarding the confirmed PlayStation 5 timed exclusive, one Twitter user may have uncovered an interesting detail. If proven true, it may finally fulfill a demand fans have had for many years.
Twitter user ThisIsXel noticed a very important tidbit of information in an email sent out by the European branch of Square Enix. The promotional email didn't have any kind of new info about Final Fantasy 16, but at the very bottom it does show an age rating. While the reveal trailer for Final Fantasy 16 opened with a rating pending warning noting that the footage "may contain content inappropriate for children," it seems that the European ratings board has made a provisional decision.
Based on the email, it seems Final Fantasy 16 will be rated as "18" by Pan European Game Information (Pegi). It is the highest possible age rating according to Pegi metrics meaning that Final Fantasy fans can finally expect a main-line "Mature" title. While the Adults Only rating is noted as the highest possible under ESRB standards, an "18" rating by Pegi translates to a "Mature" in the majority of instances. The rating itself is provisional however, meaning that it may just be knocked down to a "16" or "Teen" rating before release.
Based on the responses on both Reddit and Twitter, it seems fans are extremely happy with the possible decision for Final Fantasy 16 to go into more adult territory. While the main-line Final Fantasy franchise has always dealt with adult themes, entries will often hold back on both sexual and violent content. This has often been a measure to maximize the possible audience so younger gamers would not be locked out of buying a Final Fantasy title.
Square Enix has previously admitted to actively removing content in Final Fantasy 7: Remake to avoid the mature rating, something that is often associated with some of the biggest games in the industry. During a Famitsu interview, Final Fantasy 7: Remake director Tetsuya Nomura and Producer Yoshinori Kitase spoke about how the title was altered during development to get the "Teen" rating.
While this news is still not 100 percent confirmed, it seems that Final Fantasy 16 isn't going to be as concerned with age ratings as the team of Final Fantasy 7: Remake was. Even from the small glimpses during the reveal trailer, there already seems to be more blood than the usual Final Fantasy. With rumors swirling that Final Fantasy 16 may release sooner than expected, it's possible that the provisional rating may be a good sign.
Final Fantasy 16 is in development for PS5.