Yoshida: Making FFXIV a Final Fantasy Theme Park and Fan Service Game
Creative Business Unit III is currently in full swing. Square Enix’s division, led by Naoki Yashida, is deep into the Final Fantasy XIV launch cycle. They are also preparing to launch Final Fantasy XVI’s next mainline entry. Yoshida spoke with Game Watch in a previous interview, which was translated into English by Twitter user TurquoiseHammer. He also discussed FFXVI and some tidbits regarding FFXIV.
Yoshida explained to Yoshida that the FFXVI group is made up of many members of the FFXIVteam. After Stormblood was completed, Hiroshi Takai, Kazutoyo Makehiro, and Mitsutoshi Gondai, the system designer, moved to a core team to start work on FFXVI’s scenario.
Yoshida stated that Takai was the best choice to direct the project because he couldn’t spare the time, and Takai had been there for him during the development of A Realm Reborn. “Back at the beginning, when we were rebuilding HTMLXIV, Takai suggested I should also be the game’s producer. Takai is the kind of person that can think on his own and tell what’s on his mind. He is someone everyone can support. When I asked Takai what he thought of directing FFXVI, his answer was, “It’s certainly a large responsibility, but as long as you back me up, I’ll give my best shot.”
He also spoke about Final Fantasy and the notion of HTMLXIV. Yoshida stated that Final Fantasy must adapt to the new era and diversify. He talks about how he asked fans what they wanted from the franchise and how he received many answers.
Game Watch said that being in charge of FFXIV had seen him travel the world, engaging with gamers and fans. There are many things that players from other countries think about and anticipate from Final Fantasy. Their responses are varied and surprising. It’s all-natural if you think about it. Every Final Fantasy title has a unique world and lore. Each battle system is different, and each character has a distinct sense of direction.
Yoshida also shared a comment by Yoshinori Kitase, the Final Fantasy producer and director. They took over HTMLXIV: “When Final Fantasy is concerned, the game that carries on the series’ legacy will be the one that the director at the time believes will be the best. It would help if you didn’t allow anything to stop you.
