Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, is back in the game development scene, despite previous retirement plans. His latest endeavor aims to create a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI. Let's delve into the details of this exciting new project.
A New Chapter After Fantasian
Following the success of Fantasian Neo Dimension (initially released in 2021), Sakaguchi revealed in an interview with The Verge his intention to develop another game. While he initially considered Fantasian his final project before retirement, the positive experience collaborating with his team prompted a change of heart. He aims to create a title that serves as "a successor to Final Fantasy VI," building on the legacy of his iconic work. This new game, he notes, will be "part two of my farewell note."
Development Update and Speculation
In a 2024 Famitsu interview, Sakaguchi confirmed the project's progress, estimating approximately two more years until completion, based on a script finalized a year prior. A June 2024 trademark filing by Mistwalker for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" fueled fan speculation about a potential sequel, though this remains unconfirmed. Sakaguchi indicated the new game will maintain a similar fantasy RPG style to his previous creations. No official title or further details have been released.
Reunion with Square Enix
The collaboration with Square Enix to bring FANTASIAN Neo Dimension to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch in December 2024 marked a full-circle moment for Sakaguchi. The game, originally an Apple Arcade exclusive (and praised by numerous critics), saw a wider release thanks to this partnership. Sakaguchi reflected on the experience, noting the significance of working with the company where his career began.
Despite this reunion, Sakaguchi remains focused on his new project and shows no interest in revisiting the Final Fantasy franchise or past works, stating he has transitioned from "creator" to "consumer." The gaming world eagerly awaits his next masterpiece.
