FF Creator Unveils Plans for Spiritual FF6 Successor

Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, initially planned to retire after Fantasian. However, the overwhelmingly positive response to his latest project, and the joy of collaborating with his talented team, has inspired him to embark on a new adventure. This new game aims to be a spiritual successor to the beloved Final Fantasy VI.

Final Fantasy Creator to Develop His Final Game (Again)

A Spiritual Successor to Final Fantasy 6

Following the success of Fantasian Neo Dimension, initially released in 2021, Sakaguchi revealed in an interview with The Verge his desire to create a new game. While he initially intended Fantasian to be his final project, the rewarding experience of working with his team has led him to pursue another endeavor, aiming to craft a game that acts as a successor to Final Fantasy VI. He described the upcoming project as "part two of my farewell note." The team, responsible for Fantasian's success, will reunite for this new challenge, aiming to create something both familiar and innovative.

Development of Sakaguchi's Latest Project

In a 2024 interview with Famitsu, Sakaguchi confirmed the project's development, stating that approximately one year after completing the script, he anticipates reaching a significant milestone within the next two years. The June 2024 trademark filing for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" by Mistwalker fueled speculation among fans about a potential sequel. While details remain scarce, Sakaguchi confirmed the new project will maintain a style consistent with his previous fantasy RPGs.

Reuniting with Square Enix for FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

Mistwalker partnered with Square Enix to bring FANTASIAN Neo Dimension to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch in December 2024. Originally released exclusively for Apple Arcade in 2021, Fantasian garnered critical acclaim, frequently cited among the best Apple Arcade titles. Reflecting on the collaboration, Sakaguchi described the experience as "fascinating," noting the full-circle moment of returning to Square Enix, where his career began, for the release of what he initially intended as his final game.

Sakaguchi's illustrious career began at Square (now Square Enix) in 1983. He directed the first Final Fantasy title in 1987, helming the next four mainline entries before serving as producer for Final Fantasy VI through Final Fantasy XI. He left Square Enix in 2003, establishing Mistwalker, where he oversaw titles including Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and The Last Story. Following Fantasian in 2021, and its enhanced release as FANTASIAN Neo Dimension in 2024, Sakaguchi remains focused on his new project, clarifying that he has transitioned to a consumer perspective rather than a creator's, and has no plans to revisit past works or the Final Fantasy series.