As I delve deeper into the captivating narrative of Yoshida, the visionary director of Final Fantasy XIV, I find myself utterly spellbound by his remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to his craft. His profound connection with the franchise he grew up with is palpable, a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in realizing one’s dreams.
Naoki Yoshida, the cherished director of Final Fantasy XIV, undeniably has a unique personality. TopMob recently had an engaging conversation with the eccentric Yoshi P, covering his industry standing, the impact he’ll make, and surprisingly, where he shops for his outfits.
It can be said that Yoshi-P serves as the primary face of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV). He stepped into leadership during A Realm Reborn and transformed the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) into a beloved title by fans from around the globe.
During our encounter at PAX Australia 2024 in Melbourne, we had the pleasure of conversing with Yoshida about a wide range of topics, delving into the origins of his distinctive style.
A director among fans
In a casual and straightforward manner: Yoshi-P isn’t just adored by the community; he is essentially regarded as the embodiment of the game itself. With the MMO influencing millions worldwide, supporters often express deep gratitude towards Yoshida for significantly impacting their lives positively.
Despite not intending to be seen as a symbol or figurehead for the MMORPG world, the director finds it gratifying when people view him that way. However, he honestly feels more awkward than proud about this recognition, especially during face-to-face encounters with fans who admire the renowned developer.
Yoshida shared that it’s wonderful to get support from our supporters, both fans and players alike. However, there are instances when he attends in-person events such as the Tokyo Game Show in Japan, and some fans become emotional upon meeting him. At such moments, he finds himself wondering what the appropriate response should be.
Even though the director is widely recognized within the community, they felt it was important to emphasize that the creation of the game was a result of the collective effort and hard work of the entire team.
Our game thrives thanks to both our dedicated development and operations teams. I serve as their leader, yet I stand as their spokesperson. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support we receive from all our fans, which greatly contributes to our team’s success.
A stylish supervisor
Since Yoshida is the main representative of the development team, he’s always under public scrutiny by the fans. Given that he frequently stands in the limelight as the director, people have often admired his impeccable fashion sense, and it turns out there’s a good explanation for his stylish attire.
Initially, let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the compliments on my style. However, I must clarify that there’s a reason behind it.
30 years ago, I stepped into the world of video game creation. My team had two supervisors then, and in my specific division, one stood out – or rather, didn’t – for his less-than-stylish wardrobe and what seemed to be infrequent hygiene practices.
He’d always be there, sporting an oily mane and donning a style that undeniably shouted “I’m a games developer!” In Akihabara, Tokyo during that era, such fashion was common to see, and he was no exception. To me, it might seem unconventional, but if it brings him joy, I can’t argue with that.
On a particular occasion, he stood as our representative, and his image graced the pages of Famitsu. In essence, it was like he was standing for us all. This moment is deeply etched in my memory whenever I pick up Famitsu and see him there, feeling the collective dismay of our team.
Instead, my other superior back then had a completely different vibe, exuding a soft and sophisticated flair in his fashion choices, as he put it.
As the director of Final Fantasy XIV, Yoshida takes care to consistently offer his top performance whenever he represents the team.
The director clarified, “I’m mindful of every team member’s individual thoughts and goals, and it’s my role to speak on behalf of our group. Consequently, when I go to represent our game and engage in an interview, I strive to perform at my best for the benefit of my team.
To avoid the thought ‘He could use a bit more style’, I pay close attention to my attire.
Yet, as Yoshida grows older, he starts to suspect that not all team members may share his perspective.
He confessed with a grin that it’s likely some folks might think, ‘It’s about time for you to retire the flashy shirts since you’re over 50,’ as he steps onto the stage during FanFests wearing eccentric costumes for his new role.
To a certain degree, he often aligns with the team’s views, a fact that might disappoint some of the supporters.
“Hey, at the end of the day, I don’t want to cosplay myself.”
If you’ve ever dreamt of dressing up as Yoshi-P, we asked where the director usually shops, and surprisingly, he mentioned a popular department store called Isetan. As Yoshida put it, he casually browses through the men’s section, choosing whatever appeals to him without any specific brand preferences in mind.
Legacy
Without a shadow of a doubt, Yoshida’s influence on the Final Fantasy series and its fanbase is undeniable, as demonstrated by player response and the numerous modifications the game has experienced. Nevertheless, the director humbly states that he hasn’t given much thought to his role in the bigger picture.
Yoshida expressed that being part of the development team for a numbered title in the Final Fantasy series is a significant achievement, considering the long-standing history of the franchise and his personal connection with it since childhood. This opportunity is not easily attainable for many, so he considers himself fortunate to have reached this point and feels extremely grateful for the chance.
Indeed, at the moment, I’m not yet done with my tasks. Instead, I’m engrossed in Final Fantasy XIV, a game that seems to transcend life and death. In essence, it’s everlasting. Therefore, I believe that in terms of legacy, it’s less significant. What truly matters is the present moment.
Despite this, Yoshida acknowledged that he’s not one for introspection, and if given a second chance, he’d prefer to relive his life from the start.
Absolutely, when it’s my time to pass, I’ll return to the Celestial Ocean. And much like a game resetting, I’d be eager for the chance to erase my memories and start life anew.
The director remarked that nobody can predict what his future might bring, and playfully suggested he might end up making a negative impact on history.
Yoshida jokingly remarked, “There’s always a chance for an unexpected mistake that could tarnish history. It might get to a point where I feel so mentally drained that I might just pay a visit to the data center with a time bomb!
It simply reinforces my lack of contemplation over the topic. For me, the enjoyment lies in continuously developing the game alongside our team, and making sure we have fun throughout the process.
Read More
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- „People who loved Dishonored and Prey are going to feel very at home.” Arkane veteran sparks appetite for new, untitled RPG
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- Destiny 2: A Closer Look at the Proposed In-Game Mailbox System
- Clash Royale Deck Discussion: Strategies and Sentiments from the Community
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Made a Christmas Movie to Help Process Her Grief
- ICP PREDICTION. ICP cryptocurrency
- Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic Was Inspired By Akira And Cowboy Bebop
- Critics Share Concerns Over Suicide Squad’s DLC Choices: Joker, Lawless, and Mrs. Freeze
- EUR IDR PREDICTION
2024-11-04 08:20