Yoshi-p acknowledges development delays straining final fantasy franchise's reach
Final Fantasy 14 director Naoki "Yoshi-P" Yoshida has conceded that the series' extended development cycles are hindering its ability to attract new players and younger audiences.
Long wait times impact newcomers
Speaking at a promotional event for the upcoming spin-off, Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, Yoshida addressed the challenge of engaging younger generations who are accustomed to faster-paced, online-focused games. The core issue? The increasingly lengthy gaps between mainline Final Fantasy releases.
“I’m 53 now, and I’ve been playing since Final Fantasy 1 in real time… But for younger generations — people who grew up naturally accustomed to action-based combat and online competitive play — the recent entries in the series may have been harder to engage with,” Yoshida explained. He pointed to the extended wait times as a key factor, stating that many players haven't had the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the franchise as previous generations did.
The statement resonates with many long-time fans. The remake of Final Fantasy VII, initially envisioned as a single game, is now a three-part saga, with Part 3 still lacking a confirmed release date. This leaves a potential gap of at least six years between the first and last installments – a considerable timeframe in a rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
Similarly, the gap between Final Fantasy XV (2016) and Final Fantasy XVI (2023) is substantial, and speculation about a potential Final Fantasy XVII remains largely absent as Square Enix concentrates on the VII remake project. Yoshi-P himself suggested in 2024 that a younger generation might be best suited to lead the franchise with Final Fantasy XVII, but concrete plans remain elusive.
Meanwhile, director Naoki Hamaguchi recently offered a glimpse into the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3, promising new gameplay mechanics and locations. He has indicated that the “core game experience is almost complete,” with the team currently focused on refining and polishing the final product. And for those who enjoyed the card game element, the Queen’s Blood card game is making a return.
Vikki Blake, reporting for IGN, notes that this extended development model presents a significant hurdle for a franchise striving to remain relevant in a dynamic market.