Veteran game director Tatsuya Kando has announced his departure from Square Enix after a commendable 29-year career. Known for his pivotal role in notable titles such as The World Ends With You and Kingdom Hearts, Kando’s contributions have significantly shaped the company’s legacy.

Kando’s journey began in 1997, initially as a character animator for Final Fantasy 7. Over the years, he took on various roles, including animation director for numerous Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts entries. He made his directorial debut with The World Ends With You and later continued his involvement with the franchise.

His farewell has been met with an outpouring of gratitude from fans who have celebrated his creative efforts and the impact of his work on beloved series.

As Square Enix moves forward, it continues to develop new titles, including upcoming entries in major franchises like Dragon Quest and Kingdom Hearts. Kando’s departure marks the end of an era, but his influence will persist in the gaming community.