Game developer Square Enix announced today that the iOS iteration of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles has abruptly come to a close. The cause is rather unusual: an irreparable bug that the company associates with recent modifications to the In-App Purchase “model.”
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is no longer on iPhone
As reported by The Verge, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles has been removed from the App Store as part of its definitive iOS shutdown.
Here are the specifics from Square Enix’s announcement:
Since January 24, 2025, we have been receiving feedback from customers who cannot access the additional content they paid for in the iOS version of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES. This issue also affects the full paid version, which grants users access to all dungeons.
The problem stems from alterations in the in-app purchases model. Further investigation has revealed that we are unable to fully rectify the bug and incorporate the new changes, making it improbable to restore service for the game. Therefore, we regret to inform you that we will cease support for the iOS version of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES.
Players who have made In-App Purchases for the game since January are entitled to a refund, which Square Enix advises users to request from Apple Support.
This issue is exclusive to the iPhone version of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, as the game remains available on other platforms.
DMN’s Perspective
The abrupt shutdown is peculiar, and the reasoning provided is even more baffling.
It’s unclear what kind of In-App Purchase “model” changes are being mentioned. It’s possible that an update to one of Apple’s App Store APIs triggered the new bug, uniquely affecting this title.
The notion that the bug is unresolvable is also intriguing. It might simply be that the cost of implementing a fix surpasses the value of the game for Square Enix.
Have you encountered similar In-App Purchase issues with other games lately? Share your thoughts in the comments.
