'The power to resist lies in your hands': Insights from Final Fantasy Tactics director on social issues reflected in the game
With the upcoming Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, director Yasumi Matsuno revisits the socio-economic turmoil that inspired the original game's narrative, highlighting ongoing inequalities.
A remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics is officially set to release on PS4, PS5, and Steam this September. This renewed interest draws comments from Yasumi Matsuno, the creator of the original game from 1997, who highlighted the socio-economic situation during the game’s inception, stating:
“Nearly 30 years ago, the collapse of Japan’s bubble economy engulfed the nation’s financial institutions in mountains of bad debt, triggering a wave of corporate bankruptcies, a sudden and extreme rise in unemployment, and stagnation throughout Japanese society.”
Matsuno emphasizes that while crafting the narrative, he wanted to address enormous disparities in society—issues that continue to resonate today.
Additionally, he pointed out that the future release will feature two modes: a ‘classic’ version that closely mirrors the original and an ’enhanced’ version that introduces improvements like voiced dialogue and a revamped user interface.
Yasumi Matsuno concludes with a powerful message:
“The will to resist is in your hands.”
