Naoki Yoshida, producer of Final Fantasy 16, has hinted that a younger generation of developers may take the reins for the next mainline Final Fantasy title. During an interview with Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida at the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Yoshida expressed his belief that it could be time for someone new to lead the franchise.
As IGN found in a video interview, Yoshida brought on the idea of someone new taking on the reigns of the series. It’s something rarely heard that the older generation actively wants to give it to a younger one. The reasoning is even more surprising because Yoshida feels a younger generation could make a game that suits today’s world.
“For the moment, I’ll just say that nothing has been decided yet. That said, if I had to say something about that… I’ve had the chance to work on two of these – Final Fantasy 14 and Final Fantasy 16 – so maybe it’s time for someone new, you know. Instead of having the same old guys handle the next one.”
Naoki Yoshida
Yoshida emphasized the importance of fresh perspectives for the series. He said that, in some ways, it would be good to bring in a younger generation with more youthful sensibilities to make a Final Fantasy with modern challenges. He believes this new direction is crucial for the series’ continued evolution, which he described as “all about challenging what’s been done before.”
Despite suggesting a potential shift, Yoshida affirmed his dedication to the franchise. He didn’t intend to criticize the older games, but he believed those who make the newer Final Fantasy games think their games will be the most enjoyable. It’s something a younger generation would bring with their own style.
Square Enix has yet to officially announce who will direct Final Fantasy 17. Yoshida’s comments, however, are modest and humble, giving another producer or director a shot to make their own game. This is great for fans because it makes a very different game whenever someone new takes over. This isn’t a series about a singular vision that continues to be pushed but about multiple different perspectives, and the games feel very different because of that.
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