In case you missed it, there has been a recent change in the game's producer position. Satohiko Matsui, also known as Matsui P, has stepped down from his role, and Yoji Fujido, the game's director, has taken over as both the director and producer of Final Fantasy XI. Today, we'll dive into an interview conducted by Dengeki and Famitsu with Fujido-san and explore any new details about the game's future. I came across this information thanks to a tweet by Audrey I. Takamochi on Twitter, and I'll provide the links to her tweet and the original article in the video description below.
Development and Producer Role:
Matsui P mentioned that he would stay on until the 20th anniversary of Final Fantasy XI and was uncertain about his future afterward. Coincidentally, Fujido approached him about taking over the producer role, as Fujido was reaching retirement age and wanted to ensure a smooth transition for the game's future. This confirmed that Fujido would indeed be the director and producer of the game. Initially, they considered finding someone else for the director position, but due to the small development team, they decided it was better to maintain continuity in the development process. Fujido believes that the transition won't bring significant changes, as most of the preparation and negotiations were already done collectively as a team. He feels that the responsibilities as a producer won't be much different from before, and he is mentally prepared to carry the game forward.
Career Growth and Future Development:
Fujido emphasizes the importance of career growth for the development team. While the current staff has been with Final Fantasy XI for a long time, he believes that focusing solely on the game limits their opportunities. He encourages the team members to work on other projects and gain experience that can benefit Final Fantasy XI. He mentions the challenges of developing using older technology and virtual machines being used to improve the development process. Fujido aims to ensure that the team gains exposure to new technologies and continues to grow, even with the limitations they face.
Player Response and Collaborations:
Fujido acknowledges the positive response from returning players and the collaboration with the popular game Grand Blue Fantasy. The collaboration brought together beloved characters from both games, generating excitement among the player base. He expresses gratitude for the increased number of players and mentions that voices from former players who had lost touch with Final Fantasy XI were rekindled by the 20th-anniversary celebrations. The game experienced a surge in simultaneous connections, reaching unprecedented levels.
Future Plans:
Despite not completing the new story, "Embryo of the Erosion World: The Voracious Resurgence," by the 20th anniversary, Fujido reassures players that they have been working on it diligently. The story is expected to be completed by the 21st anniversary in May. The team launched the "We Are Vanity" website to provide insights, interviews, and articles related to the game. They also aim to create more exciting content leading up to the 20th anniversary. Fujido acknowledges the challenges they face with outdated technology but remains committed to making Final Fantasy XI a vibrant and evolving experience.
Conclusion:
In this update, we explored the recent news surrounding Final Fantasy XI, including the change in the producer role and the future plans for the game. Fujido's transition to both director and producer positions aims to ensure continuity and the game's long-term success. The development team's growth and exposure to new technologies are key goals for the future. Collaborations and anniversary celebrations have brought back former players and garnered significant attention.
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