My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Yoshinori Kitase, director & producer (Final Fantasy series, Chrono Trigger).
Feb 26, 2024
Yoshinori Kitase, a veteran game director and producer at Square Enix, is celebrated for his work on iconic titles like Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Trigger. In this chat, he discusses the enduring appeal of Final Fantasy VII and the balance between honoring legacy and embracing new creative directions. Kitase shares insights into designing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for a wider audience and reflects on how Alone in the Dark inspired his vision for cinematic gameplay. He also explores the future of the franchise and what it means to cater to both fans and new creators.
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Let Directors Reinvent The Series
- Kitase aims to foster directors' freedom rather than force continuity with past Final Fantasy titles.
- He balances respect for originals with encouraging new creative expression across the series.
Grow The Audience Respectfully
- Expand audiences while respecting existing fans when evolving a long-running franchise.
- Use platform bundles and subscriptions to reach new players and grow the player base.
Design For Divergent Player Stories
- Kitase hopes Rebirth creates unique player-driven moments due to its open design and varied playstyles.
- He expects diverse gameplay videos and a strong word-of-mouth effect from those differences.