Square Enix
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Final Fantasy 14 has done something I did not expect—it's actually fixed one of the most annoying things…
Final Fantasy 14 has received a hotfix that addresses an inconsistent teleportation mechanic within the Dancing Mad raid. Previously, teleports were based on player position, leading to issues with server-side discrepancies. The fix now ensures teleports are fixed distances from the panel's center, improving reliability and preventing wipes caused by netcode quirks.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation lead says "the way we design games also needs to evolve" as streaming over buying becomes more common, even if he does "fully support" content creators
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi believes game design must evolve alongside streaming culture, even while fully supporting content creators. He aims to ensure the game offers a unique experience for players, whether they are playing or watching.
Evening Reading - June 22, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news and features. It includes reviews for The Adventures of Elliot and UFC 6, a preview of Rhythm Heaven Groove, and updates on Sega's new titles, Steam Machine components, and a potential Sea of Thieves live-action movie. The article also touches on Final Fantasy 7 Remake director's desire for original projects and the possibility of custom Steam Machines with an updated SteamOS.
Kingdom Hearts Collection Switch 2 Local Box Art Reportedly Updated
Square Enix has reportedly updated the box art for the physical Nintendo Switch 2 release of the Kingdom Hearts Collection, addressing concerns about alleged AI usage. The new artwork mirrors the Japanese version, featuring clouds instead of buildings and repositioned characters, with the game set to launch on October 8, 2026.
How to get the best ending - The Adventures of Elliot
This guide details how to achieve the true ending in The Adventures of Elliot. Players must complete specific questlines across different ages, collect key items like the Leytstaff and Mystic Writings, and interact with specific characters and cats. The true ending requires a final confrontation where players must parry attacks to trigger memories, ultimately calming the Beast of Enmity and revealing a greater threat, Demise the Dragon.
Sorry Kingdom Hearts nerds, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi says sea salt ice cream "isn't a…
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi clarified that the sea salt ice cream featured in the game is not a reference to Kingdom Hearts, but rather inspired by a popular Japanese popsicle called Garigari-kun. Despite this clarification, the article touches upon the ongoing development of Kingdom Hearts 4 and the general nostalgia associated with the Kingdom Hearts series.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy director would like to tackle an original project after Revelation
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, expressed his desire to work on an original IP after the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Trilogy concludes. While currently focused on the 2027 release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, he is more interested in creating a new grand RPG rather than another remake.
Eidos Montreal founder says modern execs are driven more by spreadsheets than passion for games
Stephane D'Astous, founder of Eidos Montreal, believes modern game executives are driven more by financial spreadsheets than a genuine passion for games. He notes the shift from smaller, more personal decision-making to large, financially motivated corporate strategies, citing the increased influence of entities like Tencent and sovereign wealth funds. D'Astous feels this change has led to unrealistic expectations and a less creative development environment.
The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales review – SNES greatest hits
The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a new HD-2D action RPG from Square Enix that borrows heavily from classics like Secret Of Mana and The Legend Of Zelda. While its visuals and combat are enjoyable, the game suffers from long-winded storytelling, underutilized time-travel mechanics, and a lack of enemy variety, ultimately feeling like a derivative homage rather than an original experience.
Final Fantasy 14 fans make their own in-game Tinder, with gil-hungry bunny boys and modded cat girls galore
Final Fantasy 14 players have created an unofficial Tinder-like add-on called AetherLove, allowing users to create profiles and 'swipe' on other players within the game. The tool has gained traction within the community, sparking discussions and sharing of screenshots online, while also raising questions about its longevity before potential action from Square Enix.
UK Charts: The Adventures Of Elliot Makes An Impressive Debut, But Can't Trouble The Podium
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales debuted at sixth place in the UK physical game charts, with the majority of sales on Nintendo Switch. EA Sports UFC 6 and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream also saw strong debuts, while EA SPORTS FC 26 and 007 First Light held the top three positions.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's queer representation "enhances the world's realism," lead says, and the RPG's devs were "incredibly happy" people picked up on it
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that the inclusion of diverse, authentic relationships, including same-sex couples, enhances the realism of the game's world. He expressed that the development team at Square Enix was pleased to see players noticing and appreciating these subtle interactions.
UK software sales chart for the week ending June 20, 2026 – The Adventures of Elliot debuts, Tomodachi Life back in the top 5
The latest UK software sales chart for the week ending June 20, 2026, shows The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales debuting at #6. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream climbed to #3, while EA Sports FC 26 remained at #2. The chart includes sales data for numerous titles across various publishers.
Kingdom Hearts Collection [1-3] Nintendo Switch 2 boxart replaced following AI usage accusations
Square Enix has updated the boxart for Kingdom Hearts Collection 1-3 on Nintendo Switch following accusations that the original artwork was created using AI. Series creator Tetsuya Nomura's original art was reportedly modified by AI, leading to inconsistencies. The collection, along with other Kingdom Hearts titles, is set to release on October 8, 2026.
Square Enix silently replaces Kingdom Hearts Collection box-art
Square Enix has quietly updated the box art for the Nintendo Switch version of Kingdom Hearts Collection following player complaints about the use of AI. The new artwork removes buildings and clouds, and has been sent to retailers to update their listings.
Kingdom Hearts Collection cover art quietly changes following accusations of AI generation
Following accusations of Square Enix using AI-assisted art for the Kingdom Hearts Collection cover, retailers have begun swapping out the original artwork for the Japanese version. The company has not publicly addressed the allegations but appears to be quietly replacing the controversial cover art on its storefronts and with select retailers.
Review – The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (PlayStation 5)
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an action-RPG from Square Enix utilizing the HD-2D graphical style. The game follows Elliot, an adventurer who uses various weapons and abilities to solve puzzles and battle enemies across the vibrant world of Philabieldia. While the Magicite upgrade system takes time to become integral and the interface is noted as phone-like, the game offers a solid foundation with good voice acting, music, and dungeon design, making it a promising start for potential future sequels.
MMO Week in Review: ArcheAge’s revival, Guild Wars’ CCG
This week's MMO news roundup covers a variety of topics including Guild Wars receiving a CCG in China, ArcheAge's revival, and Richard Garriott's efforts to regain Ultima copyright. It also features updates on Tomo Endless Blue's Kickstarter success, Embers of the Uncrowned, and Diablo Immortal's new Warlock patch.
A Starlit Darkness Manga Approaches Relationships Very Differently From Cherry Magic
The manga A Starlit Darkness, by Yuu Toyota, explores a darker and more thrilling relationship dynamic compared to their previous successful work, Cherry Magic. The story follows a struggling writer named Subaru Karasuma who is drawn into a complex relationship with a successful author, Geppo Yagira, in Taisho era Japan. The article discusses how the manga delves into themes of envy, depression, and the contrasting approaches to success between the two main characters.
'I was like, am I gonna pass out on stage?': Final Fantasy 14's rock band on transcending from videogame music to on-stage at the UK's biggest rock and metal festival
Final Fantasy 14's in-house rock band, The Primals, led by composer Masayoshi Soken, discusses their experience performing at the UK's Download Festival. The band members, including Michael-Christopher Koji Fox and GUNN, shared their excitement and exhaustion from the high-energy set, noting how videogame music and rock music have become increasingly intertwined.