Hironobu Sakaguchi, the renowned creator of the beloved Final Fantasy series, has stated in a recent interview that he has no intentions of revisiting the franchise. This decision may not come as a complete surprise, considering he departed from Square Enix back in 2003 to establish Mistwalker. What’s intriguing, however, is the rationale behind his choice.
A New Obsession
In the interview, Sakaguchi revealed that he delved into Final Fantasy XIV in 2021, initially planning to spend only a few hours with the game before attending an event. However, those few hours spiraled into a full-fledged obsession with the game. Sakaguchi admitted, “Now I almost live in Final Fantasy XIV.” This newfound passion for Final Fantasy XIV has led him to believe that taking on the Final Fantasy brand again professionally may hinder his enjoyment of the game. He expressed concerns about transitioning from a creator to a consumer, questioning if he could genuinely relish the game as much if he were to work on it once more.
Looking Towards the Future
Furthermore, Sakaguchi made it clear that he has no intentions of revisiting older Mistwalker games, such as Blue Dragon or Lost Odyssey, and bringing them to modern platforms. Instead, he disclosed that he and his team are embarking on a new project. Although he did not provide specific details about this venture, speculations suggest that it might be a sequel to Fantasian. This assumption arose due to the recent filing of a trademark by the company for ‘Fantasian Dark Edge’.
Hironobu Sakaguchi’s decision to distance himself from the Final Fantasy franchise and explore new creative avenues demonstrates his commitment to personal growth and artistic evolution. While fans may feel a sense of nostalgia for his past works, it is essential to respect his choices and embrace the prospect of exciting new projects on the horizon. Sakaguchi’s unwavering dedication to innovation serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of gaming.
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