Square Enix

GOG has announced that four Final Fantasy games are now available for purchase on GOG: Final Fantasy III (3D Remake), Final Fantasy IV (3D Remake), Final Fantasy VIII Remastered and Final Fantasy IX. All four are part of the GOG Preservation Program.

The full announcement can be read below:

Few video game series have shaped the medium quite like FINAL FANTASY. For decades, it has defined storytelling in games, pushed technical and artistic boundaries, and created worlds and characters that resonate far beyond the screen. Today, we’re proud to announce that four landmark entries in the franchise are coming to GOG!

Here’s the games we’re welcoming in our catalog:
FINAL FANTASY III (3D Remake) (-60%)
FINAL FANTASY IV (3D Remake) (-60%)
FINAL FANTASY VIII – REMASTERED (-60%)
FINAL FANTASY IX (-60%)

These titles represent different eras of the series, each capturing a moment in gaming history where imagination, music, and narrative ambition came together in unforgettable ways. With their arrival on GOG, these classics can be enjoyed DRM-free, preserved and as a part of the GOG Preservation Program.

Now on GOG!

The games are currently 60% off.

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 Nintendo Direct, that was broadcasted earlier today, Square Enix has announced Octopath Traveler 0, an HD-2D turn-based RPG featuring a standalone story set before Octopath Traveler.

In Octopath Traveler 0, players will experience a story of restoration and retribution over the divine rings in an epic saga that unfolds across the realm of Orsterra. The game features returning core elements from the series, and–for the first time in series history–players will be able to customize their own protagonist and rebuild their hometown after it has been destroyed. The story builds upon that of the mobile game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, adding new story content where players rebuild their town, and reinterpreted story beats unfold throughout. Fans familiar with the series can enjoy the return of its iconic HD-2D art style, the ability to interact with other characters in various ways through Path Actions, and the Break and Boost battle system which can turn the tide of battle.

Octopath Traveler 0 will be released on 4 December 2025 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store.