Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy is a Japanese science fantasy media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and owned, developed, and published by Square Enix.

Final Fantasy is a Japanese science fantasy media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and owned, developed, and published by Square Enix. It began as a role-playing video game series in 1987 and has since expanded into multiple game genres and other media, including films, anime, manga, and novels. The franchise is one of Square Enix’s flagship properties and has become a major multimedia brand.

Overview

Final Fantasy is a long-running Japanese science fantasy franchise centered on role-playing video games. Created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and first released in 1987, it is currently owned and developed by Square Enix. The franchise is one of Square Enix’s flagship properties and has become a major multimedia brand.

Series structure

Most numbered entries are standalone stories rather than direct sequels, making the franchise an anthology series. Each main game is typically set in a different world and features different characters. Despite that, many games share recurring motifs, such as similar spells, monsters, jobs, naming conventions, gameplay mechanics, and thematic patterns.

Expansion beyond the main games

Although the franchise started as a console RPG series, it later included spin-offs in tactical RPG, action RPG, MMORPG, fighting, racing, shooter, and rhythm formats. The brand also expanded into films, anime, manga, and novels. There are 16 numbered main installments in the series.

Cultural impact

Final Fantasy is widely recognized as one of the most influential Japanese video game franchises. It is often associated with popularizing console role-playing games outside Japan and with high-profile music, characters, and production values. In Canada, the franchise has a substantial audience through console and PC gaming, and its games, music, and spin-offs are widely available.