-
Use Cases
-
Resources
-
Pricing
History of Final Fantasy Timeline
(1987 – Present)Final Fantasy is a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and developed by Square Enix. First released in 1987, it became one of the best-selling video game series of all time, known for its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, sweeping orchestral music by composers like Nobuo Uematsu, and cinematic storytelling across dozens of mainline entries and spin-offs. More Less
Development and People
Creation of the original Final Fantasy
1987
In 1987, Square designer Hironobu Sakaguchi chose to create a new fantasy role-playing game for the cartridge-based NES, drawing inspiration from Enix's Dragon Quest, Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda, and Origin Systems's Ultima series.
Image source: Final Fantasy (video game)
SGI technical demonstration of Final Fantasy VI
1995
In 1995, Square showed an interactive SGI technical demonstration of Final Fantasy VI for the then next generation of consoles, previewing the series' move to 3D.
Image source: Final Fantasy VI
Kazushige Nojima becomes primary scenario writer
1997 - Oct 2003
Kazushige Nojima became the series' primary scenario writer from Final Fantasy VII until his resignation in October 2003; he has since formed his own company, Stellavista.
GameCube release attracts Square
2001
The release of the Nintendo GameCube, which used optical disc media, in 2001 caught the attention of Square regarding future platform choices.
Image source: GameCube
Sakaguchi leaves Square
2001
Sakaguchi served as a producer for subsequent games until he left Square in 2001, ending his direct involvement with the franchise he created.
Image source: Hironobu Sakaguchi
Uematsu co-founds The Black Mages
2003
In 2003, Uematsu co-founded The Black Mages, an instrumental rock group independent of Square that has released albums of arranged Final Fantasy tunes.
Image source: Nobuo Uematsu
Uematsu resigns from Square Enix
Nov 2004
Nobuo Uematsu was the primary composer of the Final Fantasy series until his resignation from Square Enix in November 2004.
Origin of the name Final Fantasy
2015
In 2015, Sakaguchi explained that the team wanted a title that would abbreviate to 'FF', which would sound good in Japanese, clarifying the origin of the series' name.
Main Series Games
Final Fantasy released in Japan
Dec 18, 1987
The first installment of the series was released in Japan on December 18, 1987. It launched a franchise that would grow to 16 numbered main entries and become one of gaming's most influential series.
Final Fantasy II released in Japan
1988
Final Fantasy II, released in 1988 in Japan, has been bundled with the original Final Fantasy in several re-releases over the years.
Image source: Final Fantasy II
Key Facts
- The first Final Fantasy was released in Japan in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, created by Hironobu Sakaguchi as a last-ditch project for a struggling Square.
- Nobuo Uematsu composed music for most of the main series, and his soundtracks are considered among the most influential in video game history.
- Final Fantasy VII (1997) on the PlayStation brought the series worldwide mainstream success with 3D graphics and full-motion video cutscenes.
- Final Fantasy XIV, launched in 2010 and relaunched as A Realm Reborn in 2013, became one of the most successful subscription-based MMORPGs after a notoriously troubled original release.
- The franchise has expanded into films (such as Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), anime, novels, and merchandise, selling over 180 million copies worldwide.
Source
This History of Final Fantasy timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
We work hard to keep these timelines accurate, but mistakes do get through. If you spot one, email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it for future visitors.
Want a timeline like this one?
Generate yours with AI or build it from scratch, for free.