Although there was a lot of allusion that we’d have to wait patiently for further for details on popular Square Enix titles such as Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III, it comes as a surprise to all of us this morning that both games are going to be peculiarly absent at this year’s E3 conference. That’s right, both of the well-awaited sequels are not making it to E3 2014. The details of the report alluding to this was released earlier this morning on Square Enix’s website— after, of course, the initial interview was held for an online Japanese website: Famitsu. Regarding Shinji Hashimoto‘s comments on the reasoning behind pushing back Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy XV, “We are are working diligently on Kingdom Hearts III, but I think releasing new information will still take some time,” said the head of Square Enix.“There was a misunderstanding [in the previous context that Final Fantasy XV would be showcased at E3.] When I was asked about Final Fantasy XV’s presence at E3, the answer I gave was that ‘I can’t answer yet.’ But somehow what I had said was framed in a different context when it was reported,” he goes onto explain in the translated article.
Despite this being bad news on our end, there was a little tidbit for fans on Kingdom Hearts III at the ending of Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix‘s initial E3 debut trailer. Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix will launch on December 2 for PlayStation 3; and some of the hinted context has begun to narrow down the date for the impending sequel that has so far proven to be evasive.
Below you can view the cinematic trailer regarding Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix and the ending credits that display some inkling to Kingdom Hearts III. Which will be the only thread we’ll get to see of the numbered sequel until Square Enix is prepared to move forward with the game’s release.
As for fans who’ve been eager to see at least a hair of Final Fantasy XV‘s development at E3 2014; the horizon looks a lot bleaker. “Well, first I’d like to say that development for Final Fantasy XV is going well.” Shinji Hashimoto commented to Famitsu. “Internally, we try to ascertain the best timing for revealing new information about Final Fantasy XV to the fans. So when we were going over our promotion plans, we judged that this year’s E3 would not be the best time to exhibit information about Final Fantasy XV. Instead we are currently planning to exhibit new information at events after E3 2014.” Placing a rusty nail in the coffin that we’d be seeing at least a sliver of it at E3 this year. The truth of the matter is this: we’ll not be getting anything until Square Enix believes the game is prepared to go live.
When exactly this might be is solely up to Square Enix to decide. It is obvious the development team isn’t willing to rush the game out of the starting gate, much to the disappointment and frustration of numerous fans that were looking forward to an E3 debut. Thus, another game of waiting for the appropriate time to unveil both titles has begun anew. Could it be that Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III are shooting themselves in the foot with these delays, or are the fans more forgiving in order to acquire the best game possible due to exercising their patience?
Square Enix’s website and Famitsu point to a larger presence at Gamescom 2014 this August or at Tokyo Game Show 2014 this September. The latter being far more likely due to the “home presence” that both games will have at the showcasing; but also keeping in mind that both are predictions, since Shinji Hashimoto did not comment on either convention throughout his interview. We’d be interested to hear your comments on the absence at E3 2014 as well as your thoughts on the future debut dates on both titles.
