The recent release of Final Fantasy XIII to western audiences has driven lifetime unit shipment figures up to over 5 million, with just over 3 million of these comprising of sales in the US and Europe.

The figure refers to units shipped, so it’s not quite the same as actual units sold, but it’s likely not too far off.

The recent release pushes lifetime shipments for the franchise up to 96 million worldwide, making Final Fantasy one of gaming’s most successful franchises by far.

Possibly the coolest thing about the entire story is the sheer irony involved. When the first game was released back in 1987, the title itself – Final Fantasy – implied a sense of finality. Over 20 years later, double digit reiterations and of course 96 million units moved worldwide, and it is now apparent that the first Final Fantasy was anything but final.