Modders Restore Ariana Grande to Final Fantasy Resonance

The update

Final Fantasy Resonance, a reconstruction of the now-shuttered mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, launches in full next month. Modders have already begun using the game’s demo to reinstate characters from the original title. The FFR Vision Studio mod adds nearly 1,300 units from Brave Exvius to the demo, including Ariana Grande. Square Enix’s producer previously stated that Grande’s character would not fit the new game’s vibe. The mod is still in development, with the creator working on improved animations and a skill dictionary.

Why it matters

This development highlights the power of the gaming community to preserve content that developers decide to remove. It also raises questions about the longevity of digital characters and the rights of players to modify games they have purchased or are testing.

What to watch

It remains unclear if Square Enix will officially acknowledge these mods or take any action against them. The mod is currently limited to the demo environment.

Sources

• eurogamer.net — Details on the mod, the FFR Vision Studio, and the producer's statement regarding Ariana Grande's removal.
• ign.com — Context on the game's release platforms and the producer's confirmation of Grande's absence.