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 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 successful launch of Fantasian Neo Dimension, initially released in 2021, Sakaguchi revealed in an interview with The Verge his desire to craft another game. While Fantasian was intended as his retirement project, the positive experience working with his team led him to embark on a new adventure. This new project, described as "a successor to Final Fantasy VI," will be a collaboration with the same team behind Fantasian, aiming for a blend of familiar and innovative elements. He considers this game "part two of my farewell note."

Development Update and Speculation

In a 2024 Famitsu interview, Sakaguchi confirmed the project's progress, stating that script completion is a year behind him, with an estimated two-year timeline for completion. The June 2024 trademark filing for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" by Mistwalker fueled speculation about a potential Fantasian sequel. While details remain scarce, Sakaguchi confirmed the game will remain true to his established style of fantasy RPGs.

Reunion with Square Enix

The December 2024 release of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension on multiple platforms (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch) marked a reunion between Mistwalker and Square Enix. This collaboration, bringing the initially Apple Arcade exclusive title to a wider audience, proved a significant milestone for Sakaguchi, who reflected on his journey from his beginnings at Square (now Square Enix) to his current independent success.

Despite this partnership, Sakaguchi confirmed his disinterest in revisiting the Final Fantasy franchise or his past works, stating that he now identifies as a "consumer rather than a creator." The gaming community eagerly awaits further information on his upcoming project.