At least the new version will be free if you have the old one. Wonder what the changes are.
I would guess ai-enhanced backgrounds like we’ve had mods for for ages.
My hope is, they will remove the launcher and SquareEnix account requirement. And make some further modifications to make the game Steam Deck verified.
Wow I just tested it. Game does not run anymore, and I get connection error. I have internet access, so probably the servers are shutdown. So the original game (what will be renamed to 2013 edition later) is unplayable. I just downloaded it and tested.

It’s worh noting that the old version still remain “free” if you purchased the old one: that’s less about Square but Valve policy in which purchased items can be withdrawn… Well, actually it more about laws in most countries that if you buy something is yours to keep (or even resell) without the previous owner policing on what/whatnot
Square is not obliged to give a free copy to all owners of the original game. Even if the game is no longer for sale.
But what if the game was an update instead? The law does not cover this situation. Then owner of the original game could no longer access it, and only get the new version. In example Counter Strike: Global Offensive was replaced by Counter Strike 2. To me having both versions accessible (Rockstar did that with GTA 5 too) is ideal.
It’s worh noting that the OLD version still remain “free” if you purchased the old one: that’s less about Square but Valve.




