Final Fantasy 17 could be another action game like FF15 and FF16, Yoshi-P may not be involved

Final Fantasy 14 director Naoki Yoshida talks about the future of the series, saying that Square Enix will now 'strive for multi-platform releases'

Final Fantasy 17 could be another action game like FF15 and FF16, Yoshi-P may not be involved
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Senior Gaming Editor
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1 minute & 45 seconds read time
TL;DR: Final Fantasy 17's battle system remains undecided, with Square Enix considering both turn-based and action-based styles. Producer Naoki Yoshida emphasizes that gameplay choices depend on the game's overall vision, and he may not be involved in its development, allowing future directors creative freedom.

Final Fantasy 17 could be a turn-based game, recent reports suggest, but Square Enix's Naoki "Yoshi-P" Yoshida clarifies that nothing has been decided yet.

Final Fantasy 17 could be another action game like FF15 and FF16, Yoshi-P may not be involved 132
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The next mainline Final Fantasy game could be another action-based experience like Final Fantasy 15 and 16, or go for the more traditional ATB turn-based style. While Square Enix is undoubtedly plotting out early details for Final Fantasy 17, the company isn't ready to start talking about anything just yet.

In a recent interview with Anime News Network, Yoshi-P was asked point blank if Final Fantasy could go back to the days of turn-based combat. Yoshi-P's response wasn't straightforward--the overall goals of the game will dictate aspects like battle systems. Yoshida also says he may not be involved in FF17's development.

Q (Anime News Network) - But with the success of Expedition 33, do you think that possibly mainline Final Fantasy games could go back to being turn-based, as that seems to be something that players have an appetite for?

A (Naoki Yoshida) - With this question of turn-based versus action, it tends to isolate the gameplay to just the battle system. That doesn't take into account what kind of game the creators want to deliver to players.

For example, based on a certain graphical quality we want to present to our players, or the narrative we want to deliver to our players, it relates to how we set up the game's systems around it. This includes the battle system, game design, and gameplay feel.

It's not a clear-cut answer, whether it will become all turn-based, or if it's going to become more action-based.

[I am] not necessarily going to be on Final Fantasy 17, so we also don't want to obstruct or limit our future director or whomever will be producing the games like 17 or even 18. We don't want to put them on a rail.