Ariana Grande Returns to Final Fantasy: The Modders Keeping the Legacy Alive
Updated: Sep 7, 2026 10:05pm UTC
For fans disappointed by the absence of pop icon Ariana Grande in the upcoming Final Fantasy Resonance, the modding community has stepped in to bridge the gap. While official channels have moved on, dedicated players are ensuring that the singer’s unique history with the franchise remains playable.
The Evolution of Final Fantasy Resonance
Square Enix is set to release Final Fantasy Resonance next month, marking a significant milestone as the series’ inaugural full-scale HD-2D title. The project serves as a reimagining of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, the turn-based mobile RPG that debuted on iOS and Android in 2015. Following a decade of service, Brave Exvius officially ceased operations in 2025, leaving many to wonder if its more eccentric collaborations would be lost to time.
A Pop Culture Crossover Legacy
Ariana Grande’s involvement with the Final Fantasy universe is far from a recent development. Long before her acclaimed performance as Galinda in the Wicked film adaptations, the “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” singer made waves in the gaming world back in 2017. During that era, she was immortalized as a playable pixel-art character within Brave Exvius, complete with iconic costumes-most notably her signature bunny-ear ensemble from the Dangerous Woman promotional cycle.
The collaboration was a massive cultural moment, even featuring a specialized arrangement of her track “Touch It” integrated directly into the game’s soundtrack. While Final Fantasy Resonance aims for a more grounded aesthetic, the modding scene has proven that players are eager to retain these nostalgic crossovers, effectively porting the pop star back into the modern HD-2D engine.
