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Mobile Gaming Visual Design

Square Enix - Final Fantasy Mobile Launch

Role: Lead Visual Designer
Scope: Visual design strategy, asset adaptation, launch visuals

Overview

For the launch of a new Final Fantasy XV mobile title by Square Enix, the objective was to create a cohesive set of launch visuals that honored the franchise’s legacy while feeling fresh and tailored to the mobile experience.
Rather than creating standalone assets, the goal was to lead a strategic adaptation of existing IP and transform core elements into a unified visual language for the game’s launch campaign.

Challenge

The Final Fantasy franchise is one of the most iconic and visually rich in gaming. Any visuals for a mobile launch needed to:

  • Respect the aesthetic and legacy of the Final Fantasy XV universe

  • Translate high-fidelity franchise assets into formats suitable for mobile platforms

  • Drive excitement and engagement from existing fans and new players alike
     

Balancing authenticity with operational constraints, including performance considerations and diverse display contexts, was critical.

Approach

I started by auditing existing Final Fantasy assets to understand established visual motifs, color treatments and compositional language central to the brand.
 

The strategy focused on:

  • IP-aware adaptation: Extracting and refining key visual elements that felt most resonant for mobile engagement

  • Cohesive asset architecture: Designing visuals that functioned together as a system, not isolated pieces

  • Brand-aligned expression: Ensuring all outputs felt like natural extensions of the Final Fantasy visual universe, not generic reproductions
     

This systems-oriented mindset enabled outputs that were both expressive and strategically grounded.

System & Execution

Deliverables included:

  • Custom loading screens designed to enhance the player’s first impression and set visual expectations

  • Dynamic icons created to alternate at set intervals, introducing subtle motion and variation while remaining cohesive across appearances

  • A set of guidelines for visual rhythm, layering and color balance to support future asset production
     

All elements were created with both brand fidelity and mobile optimization in mind.

Outcome

The final visual system provided a compelling set of assets that successfully bridged the Final Fantasy brand with a mobile audience. By grounding the work in franchise context and strategic adaptation rather than ad-hoc visuals, the launch assets strengthened brand presence and supported user engagement across touchpoints.

Clear visual logic and a modular approach reduced production friction and made the system adaptable for future creative needs.

Reflection

This project underscored the importance of strategic adaptation when working with well-established IP.
By approaching the work as a system rather than a series of isolated assets, I ensured visual cohesion, brand fidelity and practical usability across mobile launch channels.

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