Chronological Order of Information

The following post contains almost everything released so far dealing with the new MMORPG from Square Enix. Here is a quick summary of everything that is known so far:

• The game will use the same engine (Crystal Tools) as Final Fantasy XIII.
• Rapture is the current codename for the game.
• It is being developed by the same team that created Final Fantasy XI and all the expansion packs.
• It is a multi-platform title currently planned to be released on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.
• The game will be a worldwide release (however it is unknown if their will be regional servers.)
• It has NOT been confirmed if this is set in the Final Fantasy universe.

A September 6, 2007 Gamasutra interview with lead designer Hiromichi Tanaka does a good job summing up the current status of the game:

Square Enix’s next MMO will be cross platform and cross region. “A lot has changed in the last two years,” he says, referencing the game’s first announcement at E3 2005. “Development is proceeding smoothly now, with the framework now beginning to take shape. Last year we went through a development reorganization, with the development of our own cross-platform middleware – the white engine [Crystal Tools]. This is the foundation for FFXIII and the new MMO. It’s safe to say that it won’t be much longer before I’m able to unveil even more secrets about what the future holds for Square Enix.”

The full interview can be found here: http://www.gamasutra.com/austingdc2007/index.php?id=15400

May 16, 2005

Square-enix first announces that they are developing a next generation MMORPG for the Xbox 360. They present a tech/concept video at Microsoft's Media Briefing during E3 2005. The video strongly resembles a Final Fantasy universe with key staples such as Airships and a character design similar to that of Final Fantasy XI.

Here is the video that was shown:

Note: Music is from Final Fantasy X.

Screens taken from the video:

Source: http://www.square-enix.com/na/news/2005/

March 11, 2006

At Final Fantasy XI Fan Festival 2006, the development team did confirm that they were indeed working on a Next Generation MMORPG. However, they did not reveal if the video released was the game or simply a tech video.

"During E3 2005 we announced that the FINAL FANTASY XI development team had begun work on a next generation MMORPG for the Xbox 360 and Windows Vista. We can't talk too much about the next generation MMORPG, but we're sure you'll find it very exciting."

Hiromichi Tanaka confirming that they are indeed working on a new MMORPG.

Source: http://www.ffxifestival.com/2006/devpanel.html

April 18, 2006

Hiromichi Tanaka, during an interview with Japanese website Impress Watch, again confirms that the Final Fantasy XI development team are working on a new MMORPG for both Windows Vista and PS3. He also added that they hope to make the game available worldwide.

Speaking with Impress Watch on the eve of the Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan launch in Japan, FFXI producer Hiromichi Tanaka stated, "As we work on Final Fantasy XI, we're currently working on a new MMORPG targeting Windows Vista and PS3." Square Enix is hoping to make the game a worldwide title, Tanaka added.

Source: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/702/702289p1.html


July 17, 2006

Japan's Nikki Net reported that Square-Enix was working on a sequel to Final Fantasy XI. They also reported that the title was in development for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Windows Vista.

Source: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/719/719204p1.html


July 18, 2006

Square-Enix quickly denies the Nikki Net report, claiming that they made no such official announcement of the MMORPG. They confirmed that they are working on a new MMORPG, but stressed that it is a completely new title and not a sequel to Final Fantasy XI.

Source: http://www.square-enix.com/jp/compan...e_060718en.pdf


February 5, 2007

Electronic Gaming Monthly (Issue 213) reported in their rumor section that the new Square-Enix MMORPG will be set in a previously establish Final Fantasy universe.

Square has another MMO Final Fantasy (à la FFXI) in the work for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. Won't be set in Vana'diel, but rather a world from a previous FF. "Our fanboy hopes say FFVII, but our practical mind says FFXII."

Source: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/show...141331


November 27, 2007

Hiromichi Tanka once again confirmed that the FFXI team is still developing the MMORPG, but reveals that they have not decided if the game will be set in the Final Fantasy universe or if it is a completely new title.

"As you might already know, members from the current FFXI team are working on a next generation MMO, but it still hasn't been decided whether that's going to be a game in the FF series, a continuation, or a totally new game. We are working on it, but it hasn't been decided that far yet."

Source: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16371


February 18, 2008

During Game Developers Conference 2008, Square Enix reveals that their new MMORPG will be using the same engine that is currently being used for titles such as Final Fantasy XIII. Previously known as the White Engine, this new multi-platform engine is now known as Crystal Tools and expands throughout Xbox 360, Windows Vista, Playstation 3, and Wii. Square Enix also gave the first code name to this title, Rapture.

Source: http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080225/gdc_cry.htm