My most-played album of 2026? Sorry, Mitski—it’s Final Fantasy 10: House Grooves, a real thing that exists
Square Enix is marking Final Fantasy 10’s 25th anniversary with the release of an expensive vinyl collection, continuing its aggressive monetization strategy for its iconic music catalogue.
The publisher has developed a comprehensive approach to extracting value from Final Fantasy’s soundtracks, offering multiple formats including piano covers, guitar arrangements, and premium anniversary vinyl editions. The upcoming Final Fantasy 10 vinyl release exemplifies this strategy, which targets both casual listeners and dedicated collectors willing to invest in limited-edition merchandise.
The article highlights how Final Fantasy music has become a standalone revenue stream, with Square Enix consistently exploring new formats and variations to maximize profitability. The publisher recognizes the enduring appeal of the franchise’s 25-year legacy and is leveraging it across different price points and formats.
PC Gamer’s coverage takes a critical tone toward these practices, with the headline’s sarcastic reference to a novelty ‘House Grooves’ remix suggesting the monetization strategy may be approaching excess. The piece reflects broader industry trends where major publishers treat game music as a significant asset class separate from the games themselves, enabling multiple revenue streams from dedicated fan communities.