Final Fantasy game shuts down on iOS, here’s why

Square Enix has announced the immediate shutdown of the iOS version of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles due to a persistent in-app purchase bug. The issue, which surfaced in late January, prevented players from accessing content they had purchased within the app. Despite extensive efforts to resolve the problem, Square Enix has been unable to implement a fix.
The bug, attributed to changes in the in-app purchase model, has led to significant disruptions for players, including those who paid for the full version of the game. As a result, Square Enix has decided to end support for the iOS version and remove it from the App Store.
“As of January 24, 2025, we have been receiving reports of customers unable to access the additional content they purchased for the iOS version of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES. This issue extends to the full paid version of the game, which allows users to play through all dungeons,” said the company.
“The issue is due to changes made to the in-app purchases model. Further investigation revealed that we are unable to completely fix the bug and implement the new changes, making it unlikely to resume service for the game. Thus, we must regretfully announce that we will end support for the iOS version of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES. Customers who bought any additional content can request refunds for their purchases as detailed below,” added the company.
Affected players who made in-app purchases from January 2024 onwards are eligible for refunds and are advised to contact Square Enix support for assistance. The shutdown only impacts the iOS version, with the game remaining available on other platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Android.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, originally launched in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube, has been a beloved title in the Final Fantasy series. The remastered version, released in 2020, offered online multiplayer and cross-platform play, allowing players to team up and conquer dungeons together.