Final Fantasy may return to its turn-based origins, inspired by Expedition 33's success. Discover Square Enix’s perspective on turn-based combat and the company’s struggles following the departure of the Final Fantasy series creator.
Final Fantasy Eyes Return to Classic Gameplay
Square Enix Embraces Turn-Based Legacy
Square Enix sees turn-based combat as a core part of its identity, potentially signaling a return to Final Fantasy’s roots. At a June 25 shareholders’ meeting, discussions focused on strategies for new Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy titles.
On June 26, Game’s Talk.net reported that shareholder Yuzu urged Square Enix to release its flagship IPs annually and revive turn-based gameplay. Citing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s success, with 3.3 million copies sold in 33 days, Yuzu highlighted the enduring appeal of the genre.
Square Enix recognized Expedition 33’s strong performance and is tracking market trends that could shape future projects. The company emphasized that turn-based RPGs are central to its heritage, describing them as the "foundation of Square Enix."
Fans have long called for Final Fantasy to return to its classic gameplay. Recent titles like the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series and Final Fantasy 16 leaned toward action-based mechanics, sparking debate among players.
The shift to real-time combat aimed to attract younger players. In a June 2022 Famitsu interview, FF16 Producer Naoki Yoshida noted that modern consoles enable real-time character expressions, moving away from command-based systems. He acknowledged generational differences in gaming preferences.
“It’s not about one style being better, but preferences vary widely by generation,” Yoshida said. Still, he hinted that the next Final Fantasy title might embrace a command-based approach.
Square Enix values the turn-based genre and plans to deliver such RPGs moving forward, even after FF16’s success. Fans are eager to see how the company will reintroduce turn-based combat.
Square Enix’s Struggles Post-Sakaguchi
Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu recently shared that Square Enix faced turmoil after series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi left in 2003. Sakaguchi’s exit, driven by Square’s financial woes, led him to found Mistwalker in 2004.
In a recent episode of Uematsu’s podcast NOBIYO To Isshoni, both Final Fantasy icons reflected on their time at Square Enix (then Square), particularly Sakaguchi’s departure.
Uematsu described Sakaguchi as the “big boss” who united the team, despite Square resembling “a university club more than a company.” He recalled, “After he left, the organization fell apart. I thought, I need to get out of here.”
Despite past challenges, Uematsu praised Square Enix for persevering and continuing to create games. He maintains a positive relationship with the company, contributing to several Final Fantasy projects as a freelancer.
Since departing in 2004, Sakaguchi and Uematsu have collaborated on various projects and are now planning a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy 6.
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