Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, initially planned to retire after Fantasian. However, the overwhelmingly positive experience of developing Fantasian Neo Dimension has inspired him to create another game, aiming to craft a spiritual successor to the beloved Final Fantasy VI.
Final Fantasy Creator Embarks on a New Game Development Journey
A Spiritual Successor to Final Fantasy VI
Following the success of Fantasian Neo Dimension, released initially in 2021, Sakaguchi revealed in an interview with The Verge that he's shifting gears. While he initially intended Fantasian to be his final project before retirement, the collaborative joy of working with his team has fueled his desire to create another game. This new endeavor is envisioned as a successor to Final Fantasy VI, aiming to capture its essence while offering something fresh and innovative. He describes this game as "part two of my farewell note."
Development Update on Sakaguchi's New Project
In a 2024 Famitsu interview, Sakaguchi confirmed the project's development, stating that approximately one year after script completion, he anticipates reaching a significant milestone within the next two years. The June 2024 trademark filing for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" by Mistwalker has fueled fan speculation of a potential Fantasian sequel. While details remain scarce, Sakaguchi confirmed the game will remain in the fantasy RPG genre, consistent with his previous works.
Reuniting with Square Enix for FANTASIAN Neo Dimension
The December 2024 release of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch marked a significant collaboration between Mistwalker and Square Enix. Initially released exclusively on Apple Arcade in 2021, Fantasian garnered critical acclaim, solidifying its place as a top-tier Apple Arcade title. Reflecting on the partnership, Sakaguchi noted the "fascinating experience" of completing the circle, returning to his roots at Square Enix with a game originally intended as his final work.
Sakaguchi's journey with Square Enix began in 1983, where he directed the first Final Fantasy and its four sequels, later producing Final Fantasy VI through Final Fantasy XI. After departing in 2003, he founded Mistwalker, creating titles such as Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and The Last Story. Despite the recent collaboration, Sakaguchi maintains his focus on new creations, stating he's transitioned from creator to consumer, with no plans to revisit past Final Fantasy projects.
