Final Fantasy 14 (XIV) passes 24 million players as the most profitable game in the series

Final Fantasy Xiv
Final Fantasy Xiv (Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)

What you need to know

  • Final Fantasy XIV is the second MMORPG entry in the Final Fantasy series and the 14th mainline title.
  • Series producer, Naoki Yoshida, has confirmed that Final Fantasy 14 has now amassed 24 million players, in an interview with IGN.
  • The title has also become the most profitable entry in the Final Fantasy series.

Final Fantasy XIV is an MMORPG set in the fictional land of Eorzea, both the second MMORPG in the series, and its 14th mainline title. Recently, ahead of its upcoming expansion, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, IGN interviewed game director Naoki Yoshida on the state of the project. Yoshida has confirmed that Final Fantasy XIV has now surpassed 24 million players to date, and is now the most profitable entry in the Final Fantasy series.

"You all know just how hard things were with the original Final Fantasy 14," Yoshida told IGN. "Since then, we were able to transform the title into one that contributes a major contribution to our company's profits."

Yoshida refers to Final Fantasy XIV's infamous launch back in 2010. The initial launch was panned by critics and fans for questionable gameplay decisions and performance issues, among many other criticisms. When the title was rebooted as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, it's taken a decade to address outstanding issues, plus bring content to draw more players.

Final Fantasy XIV now sits at 24 million subscribers, four expansions, and has become the most profitable game in the entire Final Fantasy franchise. The development staff's dedication to this title has certainly more than paid off. With Endwalker on the horizon bringing new playable races, Jobs, mounts, and many more new features, a rise in popularity and profits only make the future more promising.

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker will be released on Nov. 23, 2021, on PC. With the all aforementioned new content, as well as significant Job changes coming in this expansion, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker has a very good chance of becoming one of the best multiplayer games on PC this year.

Alexander Cope

Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander's expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry's most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is!