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In the latest thrilling episode of the Game Maker's Notebook Podcast, brought to you by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, gaming enthusiasts were treated to an engaging interview with none other than the multi-talented Naoki Yoshida, director and producer of Final Fantasy XIV, and the producer of Final Fantasy XVI. Hosted by Sony Interactive Entertainment's Shuhei Yoshida, affectionately known as "Yoshi-P" by fans, the podcast turned out to be a fascinating interview.
As the discussion unfolded, Naoki Yoshida delved into the future of the Final Fantasy franchise and the upcoming projects from Square Enix's Creative Business Unit III, the masterminds behind the magic.
In a surprising turn, Yoshida was probed about the potential of directing Final Fantasy XVII, to which he coyly responded, "Ooh, I'm on the board of directors now, so I really need to watch what I say here!" Playing it close to the chest, he hinted at the possibility of passing the torch to a new generation of creators, advocating for a fresh perspective and youthful sensibilities in crafting the next installment.
Yoshida-san provided sage advice for any aspiring director tasked with the monumental challenge of creating Final Fantasy XVII. Emphasizing the importance of breaking new ground and challenging conventional norms, he urged directors to infuse their own unique vision into the project before worrying about adhering to established norms.
In terms of future endeavors for Creative Business Unit III, Yoshida-san expressed a keen interest in continuing the exploration of action-based gameplay, building upon the success of Final Fantasy XVI and the FFVII Remake series. He envisioned Square Enix as a trailblazer in the action genre, pushing boundaries with compelling storytelling, emotion, and impact.
Reflecting on his decision-making process, Yoshida-san stressed the significance of creating games that developers are genuinely excited about. For him, the key lies in finding ideas that ignite passion and enthusiasm among the team, ensuring that the end product is not only enjoyable for gamers but also a labor of love for the creators.
As the interview wrapped up, Yoshida-san dropped some tidbits about the upcoming expansion, Dawntrail, for Final Fantasy XIV, set to release in the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy XVI is currently exclusive to PS5, with a PC version in development.
In the ever-evolving world of Final Fantasy, Naoki Yoshida continues to chart a course for the future, blending innovation with the cherished legacy of the franchise. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as Square Enix embarks on new adventures in the realm of gaming excellence.
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