Previously known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII, the title’s development expanded and evolved to take full advantage of the capabilities of next-generation platforms. While the main concept, world and story continue to be developed as originally envisioned, the First Production Development Team has further improved Final Fantasy XV’ s action, gameplay elements and graphic quality to match the technology of the next-generation hardware, as well as the expectations of players eagerly awaiting the game’s release.

Final Fantasy XV promises to bring a darker, real world tinge to the long-running series. Explore cities, take on intricate quests, and progress through a compelling storyline to save your home and the world itself.

Available from Thursday, August 3rd (5 a.m. Pacific) until Wednesday, August 9th (12 a.m. Pacific), the Closed Online Test will take place simultaneously worldwide.

Players will be able to create their own custom avatars and join up to three friends to participate in exciting multiplayer quests to bring the Light back to the Kingdom of Lucis. Players will also be able to interact with friends through voice chat and preset chat messages.

All eligible players who meet the entry conditions will be able to download and participate in the Comrades Closed Online Test from the Xbox Games Store and PlayStation Store throughout the duration of the test.

More information on the Closed Online Test along with player eligibility can be found here.

The schedule of the Closed Online Test is subject to change. The content from the test version will be different to the final product. Players will not be able to carry their data over from the Closed Online Test to the final version.

The full version of Final Fantasy XV Multiplayer Expansion: Comrades will be available later this year and requires Final Fantasy XV and the purchase of either Multiplayer Expansion: Comrades or the Season Pass. It also requires a subscription to an Xbox Live Gold membership or a PlayStation Plus subscription.

Deception and treachery has shattered the promising truce that would've ended the long shadow war between the mystical kingdom of Lucis the militant empire of Niflheim. The world's last crystal is gone, taken by Niflheim agents as they launch simultaneous attacks on their neighbor nations. Noctis, Prince of Lucis, sets out to stop the empire and reclaim his home's crystal, the source of their magical power and protection. Will he and his friends be successful in their quest? What will this dark, new world reveal before the final act?

In a matter of days, the Kingdom of Lucis is to sign an armistice, ending a long and bitter conflict with Niflheim. Ahead of the ceremony, Prince Noctis, heir to the Lucian throne, sets forth from his homeland to formalize the union of states through his marriage to the Lady Lunafreya of the imperial province of Tenebrae.

The offer of peace, however, is no more than a ruse to lower the Lucian shield, and the imperial army takes the crown city and its sacred crystal in one fell swoop. En route to his destination, Noctis is shocked to learn that he, his father the king, and his betrothed are believed dead.

Overnight, the dream of peace has faded into a distant memory. His world crumbling around him, Noctis has naught but his resolve and his loyal companions to see him through the trials to come.