Final Fantasy XIII and its sequels upset a lot of people, although the recent Steam releases seem to have been better received. Fans seem very excited for Final Fantasy XV, but it has an awful lot to prove if it's going to put the franchise back on top.

　　This isn't a fact that's been lost on game director Hajime Tabata, who said the next entry in the series could make or break it.

　　Speaking to Game Informer, he said:

　　"It is a more grave and serious situation than we had initially thought.

　　"For Japan, I believe it is a make or break for the franchise. And if the Final Fantasy brand is on its demise in terms of numbered mainline series within Japan, then I feel like it would also follow suit globally."

　　That's clearly not to say that Final Fantasy as we know it would be over. There's no limit to the number of spin-offs and non-numbered sequels that they could develop. Final Fantasy is one of those franchises that will never disappear. The brand is just too important.

　　He also said that Final Fantasy VII is the most loved entry in the franchise, and so that's what XV has to beat. No pressure then. Final Fantasy XV is due for release on September 30 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with a PC version possibly happening later.