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Final Fantasy 4 was nearly skipped entirely so the JRPG series could “beat” Dragon Quest: “It was kind of a brilliant idea”
The article reports that Final Fantasy 4 was once considered for omission from the series’ numbering, with the aim of putting Final Fantasy ahead of rival JRPG franchise Dragon Quest. The idea illustrates how closely the two series competed during the period, and how marketing considerations could influence the presentation of major games.
According to the account, the proposed change would have meant moving directly from Final Fantasy 3 to a later-numbered release, allowing the franchise to appear numerically ahead of Dragon Quest. The plan was described as “kind of a brilliant idea”, but Final Fantasy 4 ultimately retained its title and became a landmark entry in the series.
In short
- Final Fantasy 4 was nearly skipped in numbering.
- The aim was to outpace Dragon Quest.
- The game ultimately kept its original title.
Explained simply
Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest are two of Japan's most celebrated role-playing game series, each with millions of devoted fans worldwide. Both franchises emerged in the 1980s and became fierce commercial rivals in the gaming industry.
During development of Final Fantasy 4, Square (the series' developer) considered an unusual strategy: skipping that number so Final Fantasy could appear numerically ahead of Dragon Quest in the marketplace. This unconventional idea was ultimately abandoned, and the game proceeded with its planned title.
The proposal reveals how marketing strategy shaped major decisions about gaming franchises in this era. It demonstrates the intense competition between the series and how creative thinking sometimes influenced how the industry's most significant releases were presented.