Hironobu Sakaguchi, the celebrated creator of the Final Fantasy series, has decided to continue working in game development despite his previous retirement plans. In a recent interview translated from Famitsu, Sakaguchi expressed that his passion for creating games has led him to reconsider his decision to retire.
He revealed that he is still collaborating with the same team responsible for the 2021 mobile RPG Fantasian, which is set to release on consoles and PC this winter. Sakaguchi confirmed that they are now focused on developing a new project, although he did not provide specific details.
Initially, Sakaguchi had considered Fantasian as potentially his final project, but he has since retracted that idea. The announcement of a new game isn’t entirely new news; it was first revealed in December 2022 that Sakaguchi was working on a “dark fantasy” game. He reaffirmed this in November 2023 and mentioned that he had completed a plot outline early this year. Despite his busy schedule with Final Fantasy 14, Sakaguchi’s commitment to the new project remains strong.
The main reason Sakaguchi cited for continuing his work in game development is the sheer enjoyment he derives from it. He described game production as more of a pleasure than a job, highlighting his love for the creative process. Sakaguchi also mentioned the joy of working with his team again, emphasizing the positive impact that his relationships with his colleagues have on his work.
On a personal note, Sakaguchi shared that he is expecting a grandchild soon. He expressed his hope to incorporate the feelings and experiences of this new chapter in his life into his upcoming game. This personal milestone is expected to bring fresh inspiration and emotional depth to his work, much like how his previous experiences have influenced his creations.
The prospect of Sakaguchi drawing from his experiences as a grandparent is intriguing to fans, who have long appreciated the emotional resonance in his games. His recent reconnection with Square Enix, which he described as a return to an old, familiar place, suggests that his future projects will continue to reflect his deep passion and personal experiences. Many JRPG enthusiasts are undoubtedly pleased to know that Sakaguchi’s influence on the genre is far from over.
