Square Enix is about to send one of its Final Fantasy VII titles to the digital graveyard, but it is not the one most people would think of first.

Square Enix has announced that service for Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis will end on October 6 at 11:00 p.m. PDT. The free-to-play RPG first launched for iOS and Android on September 7, 2023, before arriving on PC via Steam on December 7, 2023.

The publisher also released a full announcement and timeline for the end of service, confirming that Red Crystal sales have already ended, although existing currency can still be used until the servers shut down.

“Thank you for playing Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis. This is a message from the management team. We regret to inform you that we will be ending service for Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis on October 6, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. PDT. We understand that this news may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for the abrupt nature of this announcement.”

“Since launching the App Store and Google Play versions on September 7, 2023, and the Steam version on December 6, 2023, we have worked to provide the best possible experience for our players. However, after careful consideration, we have determined that it will be difficult to continue doing so, and we have made the difficult decision to end service.” Square Enix wrote.

According to the announcement, in-game events will continue to be released and updated until the end of service. Account information will be deleted after all procedures related to the shutdown are completed in order to protect users’ personal information.

Refunds for unused paid Red Crystals will apply only to residents of Taiwan. Square Enix will provide more details later in-game and on the official website, and it asks affected users not to delete the app, switch devices, or reinstall the game until the refund process is complete.

“We hope you continue to enjoy Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis during the limited time remaining until the service ends. Thank you, as always, for your support.” Square Enix concluded.

The shutdown of Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis is another reminder of how fragile the future of service-only games can be. The series itself, of course, continues, with Final Fantasy VII Revelation arriving as the trilogy’s grand conclusion.

Source: Gematsu, Square Enix