In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Hironobu Sakaguchi, the renowned creator of Final Fantasy, made it clear that he has no interest in revisiting the franchise that catapulted him to fame. This decision may not come as a surprise to many, considering that Sakaguchi parted ways with Square Enix back in 2003 to establish his own studio, Mistwalker.
What is intriguing, however, is the rationale behind Sakaguchi’s stance. In 2021, he decided to dive back into the world of Final Fantasy XIV, intending to spend just a few hours playing before attending an event. However, those few hours quickly spiraled into a full-blown obsession, with Sakaguchi admitting, “Now I almost live in Final Fantasy XIV.” This immersion in the game as a player raised concerns for Sakaguchi about the impact of working on the franchise professionally, as he fears it may hinder his ability to genuinely enjoy the game he has become so engrossed in.
Looking Forward
Moreover, Sakaguchi also made it clear that he is not interested in revisiting his older Mistwalker titles like Blue Dragon or Lost Odyssey by bringing them to modern gaming platforms. Instead, he and his team are focused on creating something entirely new. While Sakaguchi remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their current project, speculations suggest that it could be a direct sequel to Fantasian, especially after Mistwalker filed a trademark for ‘Fantasian Dark Edge’.
Sakaguchi’s journey from being the mastermind behind one of the most iconic gaming franchises to a dedicated player of one of its installments highlights the evolution of his relationship with gaming. As he transitions from creator to consumer, his perspective on game development and enjoyment seems to have undergone a transformation. This shift not only reflects his personal growth but also sheds light on the complexities of being deeply involved in a creative industry.
Hironobu Sakaguchi’s decision to step away from revisiting Final Fantasy and focusing on new projects with Mistwalker signifies a new chapter in his illustrious career. While fans may yearn for his return to familiar territories, Sakaguchi’s dedication to exploring uncharted waters and creating fresh experiences is a testament to his unwavering creativity and passion for the gaming industry.
Leave a Reply