FF Creator Targets FF6-Inspired Sequel

Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Final Fantasy, reveals plans to develop a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI despite earlier retirement considerations. Explore details about his upcoming project and current development status.

Legendary Developer Prepares For Another Grand Adventure

A New Chapter Inspired By Final Fantasy VI

Following Fantasian Neo Dimension's success, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi expresses desire to craft a game influenced by Final Fantasy VI. In interviews with The Verge, Sakaguchi confessed "I originally envisioned Fantasian as my farewell project," but creative inspiration struck anew. He describes his upcoming work as "a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI."

Sakaguchi cites his exceptional development team as key to continuing his legacy: "The talented team assembled for this project created such rewarding collaboration that I couldn't walk away." The veteran developer plans to reunite Fantasian's core team to "blend nostalgic elements with innovative concepts." He playfully refers to this as "the second installment of my retirement notice."

Current Development Progress

During a 2024 Famitsu interview, Sakaguchi shared progress updates: "The script completion one year ago puts us approximately two years from significant milestones." Industry speculation intensified when Mistwalker trademarked "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" in June 2024, suggesting potential franchise expansion.

The new project maintains Sakaguchi's signature fantasy RPG style. While official details remain undisclosed, including the definitive title, anticipation builds within gaming communities.

Square Enix Collaboration On Fantasian Neo Dimension

Mistwalker partnered with Square Enix for 2024's multiplatform release of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension. Originally launched in 2021 as an Apple Arcade exclusive, Fantasian earned acclaim as one of the service's premier titles. Sakaguchi reflected: "Returning to Square Enix, where my career began, to complete what I believed would be my final work created profound symmetry."

Sakaguchi joined Square (now Square Enix) in 1983, directing the inaugural Final Fantasy and subsequent four series entries before producing FFVI through FFXI. After departing in 2003, he founded Mistwalker, creating notable titles like Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and The Last Story. Despite renewed Square Enix partnership through Fantasian Neo Dimension, Sakaguchi maintains no intentions to revisit the Final Fantasy franchise, humorously stating he's transitioned "from creator to enthusiast."