Final Fantasy’s Viral Age Study Describes Me to a T Because I Grew Up Alongside It

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Title games like “Final Fantasy” have left an indelible mark on the video game industry for nearly four decades. Known for groundbreaking innovation, daring risks, and a knack for staying ahead of design trends, Square Enix’s JRPG series has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Interestingly enough, a study found that the average age of “Final Fantasy” enthusiasts is 42, which coincidentally matches my own age.

The beloved “Final Fantasy” series has always held a special place in my heart due to its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Just like me, the franchise has grown from youthful enthusiasm to more thoughtful maturity, finding comfort in our unique identities while still allowing for growth and change. The responses from the questionnaire suggest that this relationship between fans and Square could be significant, possibly influencing how they approach “Final Fantasy” in the future.

The survey under discussion was carried out by GEM Partners, as reported by TheGamer. It’s important to mention that the data pertains solely to Japan and was collected from a substantial pool of 180,000 participants.

I’m the Exact Age of the Average Final Fantasy Fan, and Growing Up With it Taught Me So Much About Life, Videogames, and Everything

Final Fantasy Showed Fans Like Me How Games Could Be So Much More

Despite Dragon Quest being widely recognized as the pioneer of the JRPG genre, laying the groundwork that even Final Fantasy tried to emulate when it was just starting out, the fact that Final Fantasy has, in many aspects, outshone it and most others to become the defining game of the genre over the past few decades is quite evident.

Initially, both sets of data followed a typical pattern for Chosen Heroes, but this isn’t meant as a criticism. This style was familiar and appealing to audiences, including myself, since it matched what we were accustomed to. It perfectly aligned with the vision, narrative, and mechanics that early Final Fantasy games sought, contributing significantly to their success and acclaim.

In that period, Final Fantasy consistently expanded its roots with each new release. However, the year 1994 marked a truly monumental moment for me as a fan, with the debut of my all-time favorite title – the original version of what is now known as Final Fantasy 6. The game caused some controversy and discussions back then about its actual numbering, given that certain previous titles weren’t available in North America, leading to debates over whether it was “Final Fantasy 3” or “6“. Nevertheless, the profound impact of FF6 lies in its handling and portrayal of serious social and mental issues with utmost respect, while also offering an unforgettable narrative and finely-tuned mechanics.

A scant few years after, in 1997, we were all left spellbound by the arrival of Final Fantasy 7. Even before Tim Robinson coined it, the heart-wrenching twist involving Aerith had my friends and me exclaiming “I don’t think you can do that!” in utter disbelief. It was then we realized that a video game could evoke such deep emotions, something once considered unthinkable. Yet, with that boundary broken, the landscape of gaming was forever altered, and countless players like myself owe FF for setting us on this emotional journey.

Like Me, Final Fantasy’s Future is Forever a Balance Between Past and Present

In the dawning of the new century, as gaming expanded exponentially, my preferences started to shift, much like many other adolescents. With my worldview expanding beyond pop culture and into the early stages of adulthood, I gradually drifted away from Final Fantasy. My friends would share their opinions about the latest releases, convincing me to revisit Final Fantasy 9. Although I found it enjoyable, it didn’t quite measure up to 6 or 7 for me, or for many others, who considered those games the pinnacle of Final Fantasy. I assumed my journey with the franchise was over, only keeping a casual eye on its developments until much later. However, the release of the FF7 Remake compelled me to re-engage, and it was nothing short of spectacular, reigniting my passion for the series instantly. While there’s always the debate between nostalgia and genuine advancement, I don’t believe I’m alone in saying that both the remake and Rebirth handled this balance flawlessly.

Among those, there was also an intriguing instance involving “Final Fantasy 16”. A new wave of gamers had joined the community, predominantly preferring action-oriented games over supposedly outdated turn-based systems. Despite this, I felt compelled to try out “FF16” due to mere curiosity. To cut a long story short, I largely appreciated it. However, I could also understand some criticisms that Square had strayed too far from the desires of genuine fans or even sold out. This raised questions about what direction the studio would take next to cater to both groups.

For now, there’s no clear consensus on the future direction of the above topic, and it can be tempting to view it through overly optimistic lenses or offer opinions based on casual speculation rather than actual design experience. However, discussions about how Final Fantasy might adapt while preserving its defining qualities that make a game feel like a true Final Fantasy are as vibrant and engaging as ever.

It’s uncertain at the moment what Square Enix plans to do with data about the average age group of Final Fantasy fans. However, considering past trends and recent successes like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 that blend classic Final Fantasy elements with fresh concepts, I am increasingly hopeful that Square Enix will strike a balance between catering to its traditional audience and attracting new fans who share a deep affection for Final Fantasy.

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2025-07-24 01:57