Despite high expectations, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth struggles in the market, selling fewer units than its predecessor in the initial release period.

Square Enix, known for its rigorous standards and quick reporting on game success, has remained unusually quiet about the sales of its latest release, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. The game, which debuted exclusively on the PlayStation 5 on February 29, has not lived up to the sales milestones set by its predecessors. Notably, its performance contrasts sharply with that of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which saw rapid sales of 3.5 million units within just three days of release.

Insights from industry analysts reveal that Rebirth has sold approximately 2 million copies over a month after its release. This figure significantly lags behind the initial success of both Remake and the mainline Final Fantasy 16, which quickly sold 3 million copies in just six days. The lack of public celebration from Square Enix, typically quick to announce successful sales, hints at the game’s underperformance.

Daniel Ahmad, a respected figure in game industry analysis from Niko Partners, has commented on the situation, observing a hesitant reception among fans to the sequel. This observation came amid a heated online debate about the game’s appeal, which some claimed was largely due to the sex appeal of its characters. Ahmad clarified that his sales insights were drawn from equities research reports, using data from established market trackers.

The context of Rebirth’s release also differs significantly from its predecessors. Unlike Remake, which launched during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when many potential buyers were homebound and more likely to purchase new games—Rebirth faces a market with fewer inherent advantages. Additionally, the PlayStation 5’s smaller install base compared to the PlayStation 4 at the time of Remake’s release may have contributed to slower sales.

Economic factors also play a role, with current inflationary pressures potentially affecting consumer spending habits. To achieve financial success comparable to Remake, Square Enix may need to sell even more units of Rebirth, adjusting for these economic conditions and the game’s possibly higher production budget.

As the gaming community continues to debate what these developments mean for the future of the Final Fantasy series, all eyes will be on Square Enix to see how they navigate these challenges. Will they adjust their marketing strategies, or perhaps reconsider their expectations for success in a rapidly changing market environment?