Following the repercussions of releasing the latest edition of Final Fantasy, it’s necessary to explain the controversy over the diversity in Final Fantasy 16. The popular Final Fantasy franchise has faced several controversies over the years. Alas, it was no different with the series’s latest installment. The issue of diversity in Final Fantasy 16 has been the subject of controversy even before its release. This all generates widespread discussions in various media outlets.
What is the controversy in Final Fantasy 16?
In previous Final Fantasy installments, some characters of color have been introduced, albeit to a lesser extent. For example, in Final Fantasy 13, Sazh Katzroy is a black man. Or in the case of Final Fantasy 12, there has been speculation that the Viera race may have been inspired by black culture. If that were the case, Fran, a viera main character, would also account for a second character of color in all 16 franchise installments.
But the latest installment in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy 16, has generated controversy due to the apparent lack of diversity in its characters. The game is set in a medieval European-inspired setting, and most of the characters featured are of white ethnicity. This has led to criticism over the lack of representation of people of color.
What Was the Response From Final Fantasy 16 Fans?
Final Fantasy 16 fans have shown a mixed response to the controversy over the lack of diversity in the game’s characters. And they’ve made their voices heard on social media, encouraging others to weigh in with their opinions.
While some Final Fantasy fans have urged a boycott in protest of the lack of representation of people of color and have decided not to play this latest version of the series, others, despite their discontent, have already begun to experience the incredible story that Square Enix presents us with.
How Does the Director of Final Fantasy 16 Respond to This Controversy?
The game’s director, Naoki Yoshida, has justified the lack of diversity by arguing that the story is based in medieval Europe. As such, he said, it seeks to reflect the reality of that historical context.
Naoki has responded to the controversy by pointing out that the appearance of the characters should not be the central aspect to consider. Instead, he stresses the importance of the characters’ personalities and motivations over their physical appearance.
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Yoshida has also mentioned that including ethnic diversity is an essential factor. Amidst that mention, he also contends that “excessive inclusion” could affect the game’s narrative boundaries.
Final Fantasy 16 is available on PlayStation 5.