Final Fantasy Creator Can't Stop, Won't Stop; Hopes to Create FF6's Spiritual Successor

Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, is back in the game development arena, despite previous retirement plans. His new project aims to be a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI.

A New Chapter After Fantasian

Initially intending Fantasian to be his final project, Sakaguchi's experience collaborating with the Fantasian team inspired him to embark on another venture. As he stated in an interview with The Verge, the positive collaborative experience made it difficult to say goodbye. This new game, described as "part two of my farewell note," will be a collaborative effort with the same team, striving to blend classic and innovative elements.

Development Update and Speculation

In a 2024 Famitsu interview, Sakaguchi confirmed the project's progress, estimating approximately two more years until completion. The June 2024 trademark filing for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" by Mistwalker fueled speculation of a Fantasian sequel, although this remains unconfirmed. The new game will likely maintain the fantasy RPG style of his previous works.

Reunion with Square Enix

The recent partnership with Square Enix for the multi-platform release of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension (December 2024) marked a full-circle moment for Sakaguchi, returning to his roots after founding Mistwalker in 2003. Despite this collaboration, Sakaguchi remains focused on his new project and shows no inclination to revisit the Final Fantasy franchise or his past works.

Sakaguchi's illustrious career at Square (now Square Enix), spanning from 1983 to 2003, saw him direct the first five mainline Final Fantasy titles and produce Final Fantasy VI through XI. His post-Square Enix career has yielded notable titles like Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and The Last Story. Now, with his sights set on a new challenge, the gaming world eagerly awaits his next creation.