Square Enix
Final Fantasy 16 will not be an open-world game; a look at the map of Valisthea
Final Fantasy XVI's producer confirms that its stage design will be by separate areas or levels, like Monster Hunter or Pokémon Legends Arceus.
Final Fantasy XVI will not be an open-world game. This has been confirmed in an interview by its producer, Naoki Yoshida. Instead, we will find scenarios of different sizes, levels or areas all connected in the manner of Monster Hunter or Pokémon Legends Arceus. "we decided to avoid an open world design that limits us to a single open world space," Yoshida stated. "Instead [to] focus on an independent area-based game design that can give players a better feel of a truly 'global' scale."
Yoshida assures that they have taken "inspiration from recent triple-A open world RPGs". They want Final Fantasy XVI to keep up with the times and be able to connect with any generation. We’ve found in our extensive user research that many of the younger generation of gamers have never played a Final Fantasy or don’t have any interest in the series. To create a game that might excite and resonate not only with our core fans, but also with that new generation."
Final Fantasy XVI: map and story
Final Fantasy XVI takes us to the world of Valisthea, of which we already have a huge map confirmed. Valisthea is the region of the Crystals, strange precious stones whose influence allows the locals to master magic and enjoy a prosperous and long life. Or at least it had been so until now, when great developed powers begin to emerge that yearn to monopolize this power and make it their exclusive use and enjoyment. Specifically, we will travel through six nations: Grand Duchy of Rosaria, Holy Empire of Sanbreque, Kingdom of Waloed, Republic of Dhalmekia, Crystalline Dominion and Kingdom of Iron.
These houses we are talking about will undertake the search for the so-called Dominants, the people who best channel these crystals and who possess unique abilities, such as the ability to summon different beasts known as eikon. The kingdoms will entertain (or hunt and capture) the Dominants to use them to their advantage, so it won't be long before a war breaks out for the future of Valisthea. And in the middle of it all, we, Clive Rosefield, a mercenary of high lineage must decide what role to play in this. If he gathers and protects the Dominants, or if he takes control of the Crystals and subjugates the world himself.
Source | IGN