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.
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 create a new game inspired by Final Fantasy VI. While Fantasian was intended as his final project, the positive experience working with his team prompted him to embark on this new adventure. This new game, he states, will be "part two of my farewell note," suggesting a deliberate conclusion to his creative journey.
Development Update and Speculation
In a 2024 Famitsu interview, Sakaguchi confirmed the project, estimating completion within two years. A June 2024 trademark filing by Mistwalker for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" fueled speculation of a Fantasian sequel, though this remains unconfirmed. The new project will likely maintain the fantasy RPG style of his previous works. No official title or details have been released.
Reunion with Square Enix
The collaboration with Square Enix to port FANTASIAN Neo Dimension to multiple platforms (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch) in December 2024 marked a significant return for Sakaguchi. He expressed the unique satisfaction of completing this circle, having started his career at Square (now Square Enix). Despite this collaboration, he remains focused on his new project and shows no interest in revisiting the Final Fantasy franchise or his past works.
Sakaguchi's journey, from his early days at Square Enix, where he directed the first several Final Fantasy games, to his founding of Mistwalker and his current project, promises a fitting conclusion to a legendary career. His focus now is on creating something new, while paying homage to his past successes.
