Square Enix

Square Enix has announced that they will release a new version of Final Fantasy VII on Steam. The existing version will be renamed to Final Fantasy VII – 2013 Edition, but will no longer be available for purchase.

Here's the full announcement.

To our Final Fantasy VII community,

We will be releasing a new version of Final Fantasy VII on Steam.

Following the launch of this new version, the current version will be renamed Final Fantasy VII – 2013 Edition.

Please review the below information to understand how this update will affect existing owners:

Availability of Versions

• When the new version launches, Final Fantasy VII – 2013 Edition will no longer be available for purchase on the Steam Store.
• Existing owners will continue to have access to Final Fantasy VII – 2013 Edition in their library.
• The new version will be listed on the Steam Store as Final Fantasy VII.

Access for Existing Owners

• All players who already own the 2013 Edition are eligible to access the new version at no additional cost.
• Both versions will remain accessible in the owner’s Steam Library once the new version is released.

Save Data Information

• Save data will not be compatible between the two versions.
• 2013 Edition saves will only work with the 2013 Edition.
• New version saves will only work with the new version.

Thank you for your continued support of Final Fantasy VII.

Final Fantasy VII was released in Japan on 31 January 1997 on the original PlayStation, the first game in the series not to be released on a Nintendo console. The PC version was released in 1998.

Toshiyuki Itahana, one of the main character designers for Final Fantasy IX, has announced on X and on his personal blog that he left Square Enix at the end of 2025. He made this choice after his work for the Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary being completed and will continue to work as a freelance illustrator and character designer.

Toshiyuki Itahana is known for his work on the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series and Chocobo series and recently on Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail.

Here's the full message of his departure.

As I began thinking seriously about preparing myself to continue drawing for many years to come, I decided to leave Square Enix at the end of last year.

Last year marked a major milestone with the 25th anniversary of FINAL FANTASY IX, a truly significant event, and I was deeply grateful to see so many people celebrating FFIX.

With the illustration work and supervision related to the 25th anniversary now complete, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment in having fulfilled the role entrusted to me. At the same time, I felt this was the right moment to draw a line under this chapter and take on new challenges.

From here on, I will be working as a freelance illustrator and character designer.
While remaining deeply grateful for all the connections I’ve been fortunate to receive through my work so far, I hope to draw upon my experience and continue creating a wide variety of new artwork.

At the moment, I’m still finding my way—listening to advice and learning from senior freelance illustrators—but if you happen to come across my work somewhere, I would be truly happy if you could support me.

To everyone who played the games I worked on at Square Enix, and to all those I had the pleasure of working with over the years, thank you very much. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude, and I sincerely hope for your continued support in the future.

May this new year be an exceptionally happy one for all of you.

Toshiyuki Itahana
Jan 05, 2026

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is now available for purchase on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on Windows. This is a remake of Dragon Quest and Dragon Quest II in the HD-2D style, like Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake that was released last year.

Dragon Quest, which was first released in 1986 on the Famicom (Nintendo Entertainment System outside of Japan), is the first game in the Dragon Quest series. The player controls the hero character who is charged with saving the Kingdom of Alefgard and rescuing its princess from the evil Dragonlord. Dragon Quest II, which was released in 1987 n the Famicom, takes place 100 years later and starts with an evil wizard named Hargon destroying Moonbrooke Castle. Dragon Quest III, which received a HD-2D version last year, is chronologically the first game in The Erdrick Trilogy.

Square Enix has released a launch trailer that you can watch below.

During the Xbox Games Showcase Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XVI is now available digitally for Xbox Series X/S. You can also play the demo if you want to experience a small part of the game with saved progress carrying over to the full game.

Final Fantasy XVI introduces players to an all-new story in the Final Fantasy universe, an epic dark fantasy that takes place in the realms of Valisthea – a land blessed in the light of the Mothercrystals, and where peace falters as the spread of the Blight threatens to destroy their dominions. The fate of the land is decided by the Eikons, mighty summoned beasts and their Dominants, men and women who have been blessed with the ability to call upon and wield them. This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix, Eikon of Fire. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon known as Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.

You can the base edition and the complete edition which includes the DLC chapters "Echoes of the Fallen" and “The Rising Tide". Both DLC chapters are also available separately. If you purchase the game you'll receive the following in-game items: Blood Sword, Braveheart Sword, Brave Blade, Cait Sith’s Charm, and the Sixteen Bells Orchestrion.