E3 2021 is less than a month away, and the excitement is palpable for fans. Scores of major industry names have confirmed their presence at the show, making the yearly expo’s digital resurrection an event to be anticipated. Companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and more will be present at the event, whether through independent conferences or as part of another show. The E3 2021 schedule has not been released yet, so the specifics of when and where are currently unclear. Rumors state that Bandai Namco and Square Enix have standalone shows, something Square Enix is no stranger to, and both are said to have their own Nintendo Direct-like branding.

This gives Square Enix the perfect opportunity to show off some of its big upcoming games. Forspoken will probably be a centerpiece in its presentation, given that it is set to release in 2022. Life is Strange: True Colors will probably make an appearance, and Marvel’s Avengers will likely get another content roadmap update. Neo: The World Ends With You will almost certainly be present, as it is set to release later this summer. However, one other game that could command attention at Square’s show this year is Final Fantasy 16. There’s a very strong likelihood of it showing, and being the most radical departure from a typical Final Fantasy game yet, expectations for Final Fantasy 16 are through the roof.

RELATED: How Final Fantasy 16's Apparent Time Skip Affects Clive

Why Final Fantasy 16 Could Be At E3 2021

Gearbox XSEED Marvelous

There is already a lot of evidence that Final Fantasy 16 is going to appear at E3 2021, and in a big way. First and foremost, producer Naoki Yoshida of Final Fantasy 14 fame has already promised a “big” announcement for Final Fantasy 16 in 2021. It’s very possible that this will include a more detailed reveal of the game’s plot, gameplay, and characters. As the Square Enix E3 conference this year will probably take the form of a "Square Enix Presents" showcase, it will have all the pomp and circumstance it needs to announce something so important.

There’s also the chance that Final Fantasy 16’s release date could appear, if only because of other evidence for Final Fantasy 16’s E3 appearance. Back in October 2020, Square Enix posted a recruitment page that, when translated, said Final Fantasy 16 had already completed its basic development. Furthermore, in late March 2021, the PlayStation Store changed the release date set for Final Fantasy 16. Beforehand, the store listed the game’s launch as TBC, but now the Final Fantasy 16 page states the game's release date is "coming soon." By the sound of all this, it seems like Final Fantasy 16 is coming along nicely, and is primed for a big reveal.

RELATED: Small Final Fantasy 16 Detail May Hint at Story Content

Square Enix’s Final Fantasy E3 History

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Cloud and Mako Reactor

Another reason Final Fantasy 16 is likely to be at E3 2021 is because Square Enix has shown it understands the reach of E3, and likes to save big game news blowouts for the event. The most recently announced Final Fantasy has been a regular sight at E3 over the years. All the way back in 2006, Square Enix announced Final Fantasy Versus 13 at its E3 press conference. It was a shocking event, as it also included the announcement of Versus 13 being part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis universe beside Final Fantasy 13 and Final Fantasy Agito 13. Versus 13 was later reinvented as Final Fantasy 15, and resumed its E3 showings after having done so.

Final Fantasy 15 wasn’t the only Square Enix title to frequent the E3 stage over a long period of time. Final Fantasy 7 Remake is the most recent example of long-awaited Square Enix games being announced at E3, disappearing, and then reappearing at E3. Final Fantasy 7 Remake first appeared out of the blue at Sony’s press conference in 2015. While these major Final Fantasy games also received trailers and press releases outside of E3, some of the bigger things tended to be saved for the industry event.

Of special note was the time in 2019 when the Final Fantasy 7 Remake release date trailer was revealed during the Final Fantasy 7: A Symphonic Reunion concert. An extended preview of combat and the first chapter was premiered at Square Enix’s E3 conference almost immediately afterward. Final Fantasy is a major franchise for Square Enix, and it always tries to get it in front of as many eyes as possible.

Final Fantasy 16 is Probably Square Enix’s Trump Card

A Sequel - Final Fantasy 16 Want and Not Want

While it was already mentioned that Square Enix has a lot to bring to E3 2021, there’s a good chance that Final Fantasy 16 will be the opening or ending game in Square’s presentation. The game that serves its opposite time slot, whichever it ends up being, will almost certainly be Forspoken. Formerly known as Project Athia, Square Enix is primed to begin a new fantasy IP under the much-hyped Luminous Productions studio. Forspoken is made by former Final Fantasy 15 developers, and will be an action RPG set in a whole new open world. The ambition behind this project is palpable, but no new first-party Square Enix franchise can take Final Fantasy’s throne.

The other titles expected to be part of Square Enix Presents are a variety of smaller affairs. Marvel’s Avengers, due to its disastrous launch, probably won’t get a lot of stage time outside of another roadmap update, or a showing for the War for Wakanda expansion. Still, it will probably be the game that represents Square Enix’s western divisions at the conference, barring any new titles.

Life is Strange: True Colors will probably make an appearance, and perhaps even receive a release date, but its audience can’t compare to that of a Final Fantasy. Neo: The World Ends With You will almost certainly be present for its July release, but the game has already revealed a lot through trailers and press releases. All in all, not much can hold a candle to the brand power invested in Final Fantasy 16.

Final Fantasy 16 is in development for PS5.

MORE: Final Fantasy 16's Iron Kingdom Sounds Incredibly Dark