Final Fantasy series has now sold over 200m copies worldwide

Final Fantasy sales surpass 200 million, ranking among top franchises.

: The Final Fantasy series by Square Enix has surpassed 200 million copies in sales worldwide, solidifying its place among the top video game franchises. The series is compared to Assassin's Creed and The Sims but still trails behind major titles like Mario and Pokémon. Despite recent dips, the PS1 era remains the most successful, with Final Fantasy 14 leading with 24 million sales. The Pixel Remaster series, focusing on games one through six, sold over five million copies, indicating sustained interest from fans and new players alike.

The Final Fantasy series continues to maintain its stronghold in the gaming world, having reached over 200 million copies sold globally. This impressive figure, shared by Square Enix, highlights the enduring popularity of the franchise, known for its intricate storytelling and captivating gameplay. Deputy News Editor Ed Nightingale reports that, despite a downturn in sales in recent years, Final Fantasy still stands alongside industry giants like Assassin's Creed and The Sims, while surpassing Sonic the Hedgehog and The Legend of Zelda in sales.

One of the most successful periods for the Final Fantasy series was during the PlayStation 1 era. Specifically, Final Fantasy 7 sold approximately 15 million copies, Final Fantasy 8 sold 12 million copies, and Final Fantasy 9 reached 8.9 million copies in sales. These numbers reflect the franchise's ability to attract a dedicated following, thanks to its engaging narratives and character development, which have become a hallmark of the series.

More recently, however, some Final Fantasy titles have struggled to meet sales expectations. Despite Final Fantasy 7 Remake selling 8.7 million copies, the follow-ups, Rebirth and Final Fantasy 16, did not perform as anticipated. Nonetheless, the release of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series proved to be a success, with over 5 million copies sold globally. This series has revitalized interest in the original six games, appealing to longtime fans and attracting newer players.

The immense success of Final Fantasy 14, with its 24 million sales, underscores the franchise's adaptability and longevity. This massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) became the most profitable title in the series as of 2021, often compensating for other games that underperformed. It highlights the importance of innovation and community in sustaining a franchise over decades.

Square Enix's commitment to expanding across multiple platforms has also driven sales. Final Fantasy Rebirth was released for PC, and the Pixel Remasters saw their debut on Xbox in September, following earlier releases on Switch, PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices. This strategic multiplatform approach is expected to further bolster sales and expand the franchise's reach.

Sources: Square Enix, Eurogamer, Video Game Sales Wiki.

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