Yoshi-P Explains Why Final Fantasy Struggles with New Players

Naoki Yoshida: Long Development Gaps Make It Hard for Younger Gamers to Connect with Final Fantasy

During a recent promotional video for the newly released mobile game Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, legendary director and producer Naoki Yoshida (affectionately known as Yoshi-P) opened up about the current state of the Final Fantasy franchise. He offered a very candid perspective on why the historic series might be struggling to capture the attention of the younger generation of gamers.

The Generational Divide

Yoshi-P acknowledged that the gaming landscape has drastically shifted since the franchise’s inception.

“I am 53 years old now, and I have been playing Final Fantasy since the very first game,” Yoshida shared. “But for the younger generation who grew up entirely with fast-paced action combat and highly competitive online games, the newer entries in our franchise might be much harder to get into.”

He pointed out that modern gaming habits have evolved, and the classic, slower-paced RPG formula doesn’t always immediately resonate with players who are used to instant, continuous multiplayer engagement.

The Curse of Massive Development Gaps

However, Yoshi-P highlighted an even bigger issue: the sheer amount of time it takes to develop a modern Final Fantasy title. He candidly admitted that the increasingly long gaps between mainline game releases prevent younger players from building a consistent, emotional bond with the franchise.

The timeline of recent releases perfectly illustrates this problem:

• The Mainline Gap: Final Fantasy 15 was released in 2016. Fans had to wait a staggering 7 years before Final Fantasy 16 finally launched in 2023. Currently, there is absolutely no information regarding Final Fantasy 17.
• The Remake Trilogy: The Final Fantasy 7 Remake project is another prime example. Part 1 launched in 2020, and Part 2 (Rebirth) arrived in 2024. The finale currently has no release date.

By the time a sequel or the next part of a story releases, half a decade or more has passed. During that massive wait, a young player’s gaming tastes, disposable income, and free time have likely changed completely.

Bridging the Gap with Mobile Spin-offs

To help combat this disconnect, Square Enix is looking toward accessible spin-offs to keep the characters relevant. Yoshi-P expressed his hope that mobile titles like Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy will serve as a fun, low-barrier entry point for young gamers to discover the franchise’s rich roster of characters.

Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy is a 3v3 Team Boss Battle Arena mobile game that focuses on quick, intense combat, and it is currently available to download on iOS and Android platforms.