Ivalice

Ivalice is a fictional world created by Japanese game designer Yasumi Matsuno, serving as the setting for a number of Square Enix role-playing games. Since the late 1990s, it has been used as a shared universe across multiple series, most notably the tactical and strategy-focused Final Fantasy Tactics line and the mainline Final Fantasy XII titles. The setting is known for its intricate political plots, military conflicts, and a blend of medieval fantasy with early-industrial technology.

The Ivalice milieu encompasses a variety of nations, empires, and cultures, with recurring themes of alliance, betrayal, and power struggles. Early entries emphasize tactical combat and class-based gameplay, while later games broaden the political and economic scope of the world. Technology and magic coexist, with elements such as airships and crystalline power appearing in several installments. The world’s lore is expanded through companion media and in-game codices, contributing to a sense of continuity across titles.

Key titles associated with Ivalice include Final Fantasy Tactics, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Final Fantasy XII, and related installments in the Ivalice Alliance lineage. Each game presents its own regional focus, political dynamics, and historical timeline, yet they are commonly presented as part of a cohesive setting rather than a single standalone story.

Reception and influence within the franchise highlight Ivalice as a prominent example of cross-title world-building in Japanese role-playing games. Fans often discuss the ways different games reference shared factions, places, and histories, contributing to a broader perception of Ivalice as a unified fictional world.