Square Enix has noted the surprising success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG that has captured the attention of many players this year. This has stirred questions about whether Square Enix might revisit its roots by returning to classic command-based RPG gameplay, especially as its recent titles have leaned heavily into action-oriented mechanics.
Final Fantasy, Square Enix’s flagship series, has shifted away from turn-based battles for quite some time. Games like Final Fantasy 16, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and even Final Fantasy 15 showcase this trend. However, the commercial performance of some recent entries, particularly Final Fantasy 16 and Rebirth, has reportedly fallen short of expectations. This leaves the publisher in a curious spot.
Clair Obscur, developed by Sandfall Interactive, debuted in April and sold over 3 million copies, quickly becoming a strong contender for Game of the Year. It is a story-driven, turn-based RPG focusing on world-building, echoing the style many fans associate with classic Final Fantasy games. Naturally, this success has sparked conversations about what Square Enix might miss out on by focusing on action gameplay.
At a recent shareholders meeting, an investor asked Square Enix about this shift, questioning whether the company might bring back turn-based RPG elements to its key franchises. The publisher responded that it is “aware” of Clair Obscur’s success and emphasized that its identity remains tied to command-based RPGs. They also confirmed plans to “deliver such games in the future.” While this doesn’t guarantee a full return to that style for Final Fantasy, it does indicate ongoing discussions behind the scenes.
There’s clearly still a market for turn-based RPGs, as seen with Clair Obscur and titles like Baldur’s Gate 3. Of course, the situation is more complex than simply choosing one style over another. Many factors influence how these franchises evolve, including player expectations, development costs, and broader market trends.
What do you think? Should Square Enix take inspiration from Clair Obscur’s success and bring back turn-based gameplay to their major series? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
