Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, initially planned to retire after completing Fantasian. However, the positive experience working with his team on that project has inspired him to create another game—a spiritual successor to the beloved Final Fantasy VI. This article explores his upcoming project and the latest news surrounding its development.

Final Fantasy Creator to Develop His Final Game (Again!)

A Spiritual Successor to Final Fantasy VI

Following the success of Fantasian Neo Dimension (initially released in 2021), Hironobu Sakaguchi has announced his intention to create a new game inspired by Final Fantasy VI. In an interview with The Verge, he revealed that Fantasian was meant to be his final project before retirement. However, the collaborative spirit and enjoyment he experienced while working with his team changed his mind. He now aims to create a game that serves as a "successor to Final Fantasy VI," working once again with the same talented team behind Fantasian. Their goal is to create something that feels both familiar and innovative, a blend of classic elements with fresh ideas. Sakaguchi describes this new project as "part two of my farewell note."

Development of Sakaguchi’s Latest Project

In a 2024 interview with Famitsu, Sakaguchi confirmed his work on this new project. He stated that the script was completed approximately a year prior, and he anticipates the project reaching a significant milestone within the next two years. In June 2024, Mistwalker filed a trademark for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE," fueling speculation among fans about a potential Fantasian sequel.

While the game's title remains unannounced, Sakaguchi confirmed it will share stylistic similarities with his previous works, primarily fantasy RPGs. Further details about the project are currently unavailable.

Reuniting with Square Enix for FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

Mistwalker collaborated with Square Enix to bring FANTASIAN Neo Dimension to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch in December 2024. Initially released exclusively for Apple Arcade in 2021, Fantasian received widespread critical acclaim, frequently cited as one of the best Apple Arcade titles. Reflecting on the collaboration with Square Enix, Sakaguchi commented on the "fascinating experience" of returning to the company where his career began, completing the circle with the game he initially envisioned as his final work.

Sakaguchi joined Square (now Square Enix) in 1983. He directed the first Final Fantasy title in 1987, along with the next four mainline entries, and served as producer for Final Fantasy VI through Final Fantasy XI. He left the company in 2003, founding Mistwalker and creating titles such as Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and The Last Story. Fantasian, released in 2021, and its enhanced version, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension in 2024, represent his most recent projects.

Despite this recent partnership, Sakaguchi maintains his disinterest in revisiting past Final Fantasy titles or other previous works, stating that he has transitioned from a creator to a consumer.