Developer Nihon Falcom has been creating successful JRPGs in the Trails series for 20 years, but is now exploring new ideas to prevent creative stagnation. The studio president, Toshihiro Kondo, shared in an interview with Gamespot that the Trails series, encompassing 16 games across four story arcs, is about 80 to 90% complete. This long-running success is impressive, but it also brings certain challenges.
Kondo acknowledged that maintaining interest in a single story for such an extended period is a significant accomplishment. However, he noted that it also poses the risk of creative fatigue for the team. Many developers have been dedicated to the Trails series for years and are eager to experiment with fresh concepts and tackle new challenges.
Kondo compared the ongoing development of the Trails series to working on an online game, where the team must constantly plan the next event or update. This approach can lead to a sense of stagnation, especially among younger staff members. To address this, Kondo is encouraging his team to explore new ideas and projects.
While there is no direct successor to the Trails series planned, Kondo emphasized the importance of finishing the current arc. Meanwhile, several new intellectual properties (IPs) are being developed by the studio’s younger staff. This strategy allows these developers to pursue their creative interests and grow stronger in their craft, ultimately enhancing the studio’s overall output.
In addition to these new projects, Nihon Falcom continues to work on the Ys series. The studio recently released The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak in Europe and North America, and its sequel is already being translated for a worldwide release next year. This balance of continuing beloved series while fostering new ideas aims to keep the studio dynamic and innovative.
