Yoshi-P on the Future of Final Fantasy: No Definitive Decision on Turn-Based Gameplay
In a recent discussion, Final Fantasy producer Yoshi-P shared insights on whether the franchise might revert to turn-based gameplay in future titles, emphasizing the collaborative design philosophy of the development team.
The release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sparked discussions on the potential resurgence of turn-based JRPG gameplay. Many fans are curious about whether the iconic Final Fantasy series will revert to its turn-based roots for its next title.
Yoshi-P, known for his work on Final Fantasy XIV and FFXVI, addressed these questions in an interview with Anime News Network. He expressed that:
“With this question of turn-based versus action, it tends to isolate the gameplay to just the battle system. That doesn’t take into account what kind of game the creators want to deliver to players.”
Translation:
“This question isolates gameplay to just the battle system rather than the overall experience the creators want to provide.”
He highlighted that determining the battle mechanics of a Final Fantasy title involves a comprehensive vision that includes visual style, narrative, and various game systems. Thus, he refrained from giving a straightforward answer about whether the next game will lean more towards turn-based or action-oriented gameplay.
Yoshida concluded:
“[I’m] not necessarily going to be on Final Fantasy 17, so we also don’t want to obstruct or limit our future director or whomever will be producing games like 17 or even 18.”
Translation:
“I might not be involved in future titles, so we don’t want to restrict the creative freedom of future directors.”
In summary, while there’s plenty of speculation regarding where Final Fantasy will head next, Yoshi-P assures fans that the direction will ultimately rest in the hands of the upcoming creative teams.
