The earlier 2025 release of Clair Obscur, which features an innovative action twist on turn-based battles, has sparked discussions about the future direction of the series.

This shift from turn-based to action-oriented gameplay is driven by the creators' vision for each project, rather than industry trends, exemplified by Final Fantasy XVI's real-time combat system.

Naoki Yoshida, producer of Final Fantasy XVI, has expressed that there is no definitive answer on whether future Final Fantasy titles, including Final Fantasy 17, will return to turn-based combat, emphasizing that the decision depends on the game's narrative and graphical goals.

The Final Fantasy series is renowned for its innovation, continuously evolving its gameplay style rather than sticking to tradition, which keeps fans excited for what’s next.

While this evolution has disappointed some traditional fans, it reflects the series' ongoing effort to innovate and appeal to a broader, younger audience.

Yoshida has noted that the appeal of classic Final Fantasy titles lies in the integration of all game elements, not solely their combat systems, which influences future development choices.

Final Fantasy XVI marked a significant departure from earlier titles by adopting a real-time action combat system, moving away from the command menu style of games like Final Fantasy XV.

Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi has emphasized the importance of taking risks and exploring new systems in each installment to keep the franchise fresh.

The series' history of evolving gameplay styles makes it difficult to predict whether future titles like Final Fantasy 17 will return to turn-based combat.

Yoshida's previous comments indicated that Final Fantasy XVI was designed with an action-oriented system to attract a younger audience, highlighting the franchise's adaptability.

Fans have expressed a desire for a return to turn-based gameplay, especially after the success of titles like Clair Obscur, which demonstrate the ongoing appeal of traditional systems.

Future directors of the series will have the autonomy to choose their preferred gameplay style, including whether to incorporate turn-based mechanics, based on their creative vision.