Final Fantasy XV DLCs cancelled except “Episode Ardyn”

Sad news for fans of Final Fantasy XV. Akio Ofuji, the global brand director of Final Fantasy XV, had recently announced that “Episode Aranea”, “Episode Lunafreya” and “Episode Noctics” are cancelled. “Episode Ardyn”, however, will go on as planned.

Cancellation of DLCs

Initially, the Square Enix intended to release the 4 DLCs in spring 2019. The idea was to give players and fans a closer look into certain characters from Final Fantasy XV. Additionally, there were claims that the DLCs will provide an alternate end to Final Fantasy XV. The cancellation of three out of four of these DLCs will most likely write off these ideas.

Akio Ofuji mentioned in his statement that Square Enix will focus on a new AAA title instead by supporting new company, Luminous Productions. The new company was formed to create and deliver a new AAA title for the global market. The cancellation of the DLCs were unavoidable as the company intends to put more focus on a new AAA title.

Hajime Tabata announces departure

In the midst of the cancellation, Hajime Tabata, the director of Final Fantasy XV, announced his departure from Square Enix and Luminous Productions. He clarified that he has a project that he wished to take on as a new challenge. He felt that leaving his current position and starting his own business was for the best.

His departure meant that there will be a passing of the torch within both Square Enix and Luminous Productions. It is only a matter of before we know what effects his leaving would bring.

Episode Ardyn

On a brighter note, development of “Episode Ardyn” will continue. Square Enix has announced that the DLC will be released in March 2019. According to producer Yuji Shinoda and director Takefumi Terada, “Episode Ardyn” will act as a prequel to the game. The DLC will take place 30 years prior to the beginning of Final Fantasy XV. The DLC intends to showcase the human side of Ardyn Izunia.

In addition to the DLC, Square Enix announced that there will be a short animation due out before the release of “Episode Ardyn”. Titled “Final Fantasy Episode Ardyn – Prologue”, it will act as the prologue to the main game.