Final Fantasy Creator Can't Stop, Won't Stop; Hopes to Create FF6's Spiritual Successor

Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, is back in the game development arena, despite previous retirement plans. His new project aims to be a spiritual successor to the beloved 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 that he's embarking on a new adventure. While Fantasian was intended as his final project, the positive experience working with his team has inspired him to create another game, described as a successor to Final Fantasy VI. He emphasized the collaborative joy of the Fantasian team, making it difficult to say goodbye. This new endeavor, he notes, will be "part two of my farewell note."

Development Update and Speculation

Sakaguchi confirmed the project's existence in a 2024 Famitsu interview, estimating a two-year timeframe until a significant milestone. A June 2024 trademark filing for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" by Mistwalker has fueled speculation of a Fantasian sequel, although nothing is confirmed. The new game will reportedly maintain the fantasy RPG style of his previous work.

Reunion with Square Enix

The recent collaboration with Square Enix on the multi-platform release of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension (December 2024) marked a full circle for Sakaguchi, returning to his roots after leaving the company in 2003. He expressed the fascinating experience of bringing his envisioned final project to a wider audience through this partnership. Despite this, he maintains no desire to revisit the Final Fantasy franchise or his past works, stating he's now a "consumer rather than a creator."

The gaming world eagerly awaits further details on Sakaguchi's upcoming project, a new chapter in the career of a legendary game designer.