No expense has been spared for Final Fantasy 16’s all-encompassing marketing campaign, and with the PS5 console exclusive launching later this week, publisher Square Enix’s efforts have peaked. The Japanese juggernaut has partnered with the UK’s Royal Armouries – a world-famous museum that houses Britain’s national collection of arms – to forge Clive’s iconic Invictus sword and display it within the capital’s landmark Tower of London until 19th July.
The historic castle, which is one of the UK’s most popular tourist spots, includes all kinds of weapons and armaments once wielded by real-life kings – and located centrally, on the first floor of the White Tower, visitors will now also find Clive’s sword in the flesh, crafted by real-life swordsmith Tod Todeschini. According to the press release, he spent months building the weapon, using a “mixture of traditional techniques and the latest technological advancements in sword making”.
The publisher elaborates: “The lower part of the blade was ground from solid steel using belt finishers and hand grinders and then a long steel peg was welded-on, which went from the blade ridge to the end of the pommel. The upper part of the blade was then made from two hollow shells, then welded together and cleaned using belt and hand grinders. The final pieces of detail at the top of the blade were formed and spot welded in place to complete the blade.” Impressive!
Square Enix has yet to confirm what it intends to do with the sword once the exhibit has ended, but with the Tower of London likely to be visited by thousands upon thousands of tourists this summer, we’re fairly confident its partnership with the Royal Armouries will be fruitful for the firm. In fact, having already seen the Crown Jewels up-close, this author is considering planning a trip to the capital just to see Clive’s sword up-close!
Comments (11)
It feel like Sony is spending more money on Final fantasy 16 marketing than they do on some of they’re first party game’s marketing.
Square is very confident about FF XVI.
Of course, i'm convinced from day zero about this game, but damn... this is gonna be huge.
@voltum3l I was skeptical until the Game Awards trailer last year where I kinda started feeling the game they were going for. The demo made me pre-order it in 20 mins though.
My copy already got shipped so maybe it already arrives tomorrow
@4kgk2 Ragnarok had a ton of marketing, same for Horizon. Sony markets their games heavily closer to release. Spider-Man literally got the best marketing possible with ATSV getting people super-hyped as well and pre-orders were already in the top 3 best selling on the HK store within 24 hours.
So their marketing is working well.
Short haired people shouldn't be allowed to bear Final Fantasy swords!
Demo made me a believer. If I can clear some space in my diary (and if reviews/performance are good) I will be there day 1.
@Kidfried The hat is big enough to hold a pretty wild haircut, certainly Clives'.
Sony again showing why they are the kings of marketing, the hype for this game is already through the roof.
@4kgk2 This may as well be a first party game anyway as on consoles it will only be on playstation. Hopefully Square Enix are impressed enough to keep it that way with future Final Fantasy games.
@themightyant That's a nice idea
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