Japanese RPG creators share their aspirations and plans for 2025

As I reflect on my journey through the gaming industry, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment. From working with some of the most talented individuals in the field to seeing my own creations come to life, it has been an incredible ride.

Toshihiro Nagoshi, for instance, has always impressed me with his unwavering dedication to creating games that push the boundaries of what is possible. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to gather the necessary resources to bring his vision to fruition are truly inspiring. I eagerly await the release of his next masterpiece.

Kento Jobana, on the other hand, has a unique ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with players. His work on Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a testament to his talent and passion for storytelling. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

Shoji Meguro, whom I had the pleasure of working with at Atlus, has truly made a name for himself in the industry. His decision to strike out on his own and create Guns Undarkness is a bold one, and I wish him all the best as he brings this ambitious project to life.

Overall, the future looks bright for these talented individuals and the companies they represent. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next and continue to be inspired by their creativity and dedication to the art of game development.

And just one final thought: I wonder if any of them will ever create a game where you can finally beat that one boss who always gave us so much trouble back in the day… maybe with a little help from a well-timed cheese wheel or two! 😉

Every year, as a long-standing custom in the Japanese video game industry, various team members express their hopes and aspirations for the coming year by sending messages to some popular gaming media platforms in Japan. This practice continues in 2024, with 4Gamer being the first to publish these collective wishes.

As a long-time fan of RPG games, I find it fascinating to see the messages from key staff members who have been instrumental in creating some of my favorite titles. It’s always interesting to hear their perspectives and insights into the development process of these games that have brought so much joy to countless players like myself.

One aspect that particularly caught my attention is the diversity of companies contributing to the RPG genre, beyond the well-known giants such as Square Enix and Atlus. Companies like Compile Heart and Nippon Ichi Software, for instance, have also played significant roles in shaping the landscape of RPGs.

Moreover, it’s inspiring to see former staff members who have branched out on their own and established their own ventures. Toshihiro Nagoshi, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, and Shoji Meguro are just a few examples of individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry, and I can’t wait to see what they create next.

Overall, reading these messages serves as a testament to the passion and dedication of the people behind the scenes, and it makes me even more eager to see what the future holds for the RPG genre.

Here are the translations for many Role Playing Game (RPG) creators’ visions for 2025, which you can explore directly beneath this text.

Compile Heart

Kei Nanameda

2024 saw us unveiling Death end re;Quest Code Z, the latest installment in our beloved series after quite a while. As our inaugural CERO Z title, there were undoubtedly challenges, but the warm reception towards the characters, particularly the new lead Sayaka, was truly heartening! I couldn’t be more thankful for this outpouring of affection!
We’re excitedly working on Todokero until 2025! Fight on, Calamity Angels! I appreciate your patience. We aim to create a vibrant, entertaining, and lively show, so I hope you’ll join me in eager anticipation too!

Kei Nanameda is the artist responsible for designing characters in both the Mary Skelter and Death end re;Quest series. Initially, Compile Heart announced Calamity Angels as a new RPG release in October 2023, but later decided to push back its launch from Summer 2024 to 2025.

Hikaru Yasui

2024 saw us unveiling three games: Madou Monogatari: Fia and the Mysterious School, Touhou Spell Carnival, and Neptunia Riders vs Dogoos. As we approach the 15th anniversary of the Neptunia series in 2025, we’re busy preparing exciting projects that will engage our fans. We’re also aiming to put our best effort into a new numbered Neptunia game! Alongside Tsunako and the rest of the team, I’m working hard to bring you more developments, so stay tuned!

In summary, Hikaru Yasui is responsible for creating or overseeing the production and direction of the mentioned works. At present, Touhou Spell Carnival can be found globally, whereas Madou Monogatari: Fia to Fushigi na Gakkou is currently only accessible in Japan.

Akatsuki Games

Isayu Nagayama

Title update: Tribe Nine is slated for a 2025 launch! Our team is putting every ounce of energy into fine-tuning the game prior to its release. I can’t wait to share it with everyone, so I hope you’ll consider downloading and giving it a try. Can’t wait to welcome you to Neo Tokyo! See you next year!

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m excited to share that I’m part of the team bringing Tribe Nine to life – an upcoming free-to-play action RPG for both PC and mobile devices! This game is being developed by talented individuals who previously worked on Danganronpa, under the banner of Too Kyo Games. Can’t wait to dive into this new adventure with you all!

Atlus

Yosuke Uda

We’re giving it our all, working tirelessly on the upcoming title, Persona 5: The Phantom X. Keep your excitement high as we approach its release, and don’t forget to anticipate not just this game, but Atlus as a whole in the year 2025!

Yosuke Uda, known for his work on Persona 3, serves as the producer for the upcoming mobile game, Persona 5: The Phantom X, set to be released in Japan after completion of its development process.

Shinjiro Takada

I’m eagerly working towards revealing the title at the earliest convenience. Meanwhile, my team is striving hard to ensure that our audience enjoys the experience progressively.

Shinjiro Takada serves as the producer for games such as Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, the Devil Survivor series, and various installments of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, including Shin Megami Tensei V and its upgraded version, Vengeance.

Yusuke Nitta

In December 5, 2024, we wrapped up the Japanese Closed Beta Test for Persona 5: The Phantom X, a project I’m leading as director. We’re grateful for the feedback and insights from our players. Moving forward, our entire team will strive to make the game appealing to those who’ll play it early, as well as Japanese gamers. Keep your eyes peeled for its upcoming release!

Yusuke Nitta is the director of Persona 5: The Phantom X.

Naoya Maeda

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Persona 5 Tactica hit the shelves, and I can’t help but feel a pang of regret that I can’t share more about the project I’m currently working on. But rest assured, when the time comes, you’ll be in for a treat with an entirely new gaming experience! So, if you’re as excited about Persona 5 as I am, keep your eyes peeled and get ready to join me on this thrilling journey. Looking forward to sharing more with you from Atlus’ Persona team soon!

Naoya Maeda served as the lead director for Persona 5 Tactics. Additionally, he contributed his talents to the creation of the original Persona 5 and the Persona Q franchise.

Takuya Yamaguchi

I appreciate all the heartwarming feedback on P3R this season! Despite the challenges encountered during its creation, witnessing your positive reactions made every effort worthwhile.
Currently, I hold a distinct role that’s not identical to a director, but I am pouring all my effort into my responsibilities every single day! I promise to put forth my best in this position as well, striving for everyone’s satisfaction with the final product – the game. So, I appreciate your continued attention on Atlus.

Takuya Yamaguchi was the director of Persona 3 Reload.

Kazuhisa Wada

2025 will find me skillfully steering multiple large vessels on parallel paths, ensuring they stay on course to avoid deviation. I’m navigating cautiously because there are many planned turns ahead, and I eagerly anticipate reaching the destination for everyone. The size of these ships is such that a slight deviation would result in significant costs for correction, so I must never underestimate the task at hand.
Back in 2024, as a dedicated fan, I had the privilege of contributing to the release of Persona 3 Reload in February. Later in September, we unveiled Episode Aigis as a significant expansion pack. This remake is not just an update; it’s a tribute to the timeless classic that now serves as the bedrock for the entire Persona series. I wholeheartedly endorse this game, and if you haven’t had the chance to experience it yet, I humbly urge you to give it a try!
This year, we aim to provide games that will be cherished by all, and your continued support is greatly appreciated as we move forward.

Kazuhisa Wada serves as both a creative producer and chief director at Atlus, having contributed to the development of games such as Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Arena, and the various entries in the Persona Dancing series. Additionally, he is actively involved with Persona 5: The Phantom X project.

Konami

Rui Naito

Fans of Role-Playing Games (RPGs) eagerly await the return of two beloved titles – Suikoden and its sequel, Suikoden II – as they’re being combined for an HD Remaster known as Suikoden I&II HD Remaster. This revival promises to breathe new life into these classic games.
I think this is the first step to revive the Suikoden series. I’d be glad if you kindly play it.

Rui Naito is the producer for Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars.

Cygames

Yasuyuki Kaji

2024 saw the launch of our meticulously crafted game, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, complete with additional content in the form of DLC. This title has since found its way into the hands and hearts of numerous gamers worldwide. We’re incredibly grateful to each and every one who’s taken part in this journey with us.
Currently, we’re diligently developing another exciting game here at Cygames. As for when we can share it with everyone by 2025, that remains uncertain, but rest assured, our team is dedicated to crafting an exceptional, enjoyable, and innovative experience. So, stay tuned!

Yasuyuki Kaji was the director of Granblue Fantasy: Relink.

CyberConnect2

Hiroshi Matsuyama

2025 will see the unveiling of masterpieces from our studio, including Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 and Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2. As a huge fan myself, I can’t wait for you all to experience these brilliant creations!
As we approach our company’s 30th anniversary in February 2026, 2025 will be an exciting countdown year filled with announcements and surprises. So, keep the anticipation high and let’s celebrate together!

GPTRACK50

Hiroyuki Kobayashi

I founded GPTRACK50 and serve as its spokesperson. As we celebrated our second anniversary in October 2024, I expressed my appreciation to numerous individuals. Moreover, development on a new global console game is progressing smoothly, with both the theme song and logo completed. It’s possible that we could unveil the title in 2025!
As a long-time gamer with a deep appreciation for action RPGs, I am thrilled to share that our company has been working tirelessly on a brand-new game that promises to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. I can’t wait to reveal this gem to the world soon! In addition, I encourage all of you to keep GPTRACK50 in your sights for 2025 and continue supporting us as we strive to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of video games. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

Hiroyuki Kobayashi formerly worked in Capcom and handled titles like Dragon’s Dogma.

Square Enix

Masanori Ichikawa

As a seasoned developer with years of experience under my belt, it’s always a pleasure to continue working on Romancing SaGa Re;Universe. Yet, this year presents an exciting opportunity for us to unveil SaGa Emerald Beyond. The reason we can do so is due to the unwavering support from our dedicated fans who have been with us every step of the way in the SaGa journey. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Rest assured, I will strive for excellence next year as well, aiming to exceed your expectations once again. Thank you all!

Masanori Ichikawa serves as the producer for the SaGa series. Despite Romancing SaGa Re;Universe having closed down in the western regions by the end of 2024, it continues to run in Japan.

Yosuke Saito

2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the NieR series, and I’m eager to celebrate! What could be an appropriate project for this occasion… Perhaps a sequel with a significant expansion is what I’m sensing. However, it’s concerning because there are several responsibilities I have as a producer that need immediate attention. So, please bear with me while I work on something special!

Hiroshi Takai

Regarding Final Fantasy XVI, I was completely engrossed with work in 2024, but I anticipate taking on additional projects in 2025. I’d prefer not to reveal specifics yet, but I’m committed to delivering my best next year as well!

Hiroshi Takai is the main director of Final Fantasy XVI.

Shinichi Tamura

As a lifelong fan of the Romancing SaGa series, I was thrilled to be part of the team that brought Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven to life in 2024. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played it and supported us along the way. It’s not always easy to bring a beloved classic back into the modern era, but seeing the game in the hands of so many gamers made all the hard work worth it.
In 2025, I hope that even more people will discover the magic of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven. While it may be a sequel to an older game, we’ve worked tirelessly to make it accessible and enjoyable for newcomers to the series as well. So if you haven’t yet had a chance to play it, I encourage you to give it a try – whether that means purchasing the full game or downloading the demo.
I truly believe that Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven has something for everyone, and I can’t wait to see what kind of adventures await the many new players who will join us on this journey. Thank you again for your support, and happy gaming!

Shinichi Tamura is the producer of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven.

Shinji Tokita

2023 marked the 30th anniversary of Live A Live, my debut project as a director. Unlike a series title, it was a standalone game. However, this year, we managed to create a remake using HD-2D technology. To celebrate, we hosted a grand appreciation event at a large venue, launched a collaboration cafe, and even featured a dream crossover in Super Robot Wars DD. It’s been an incredibly exciting, enjoyable, and memorable year for us all, thanks to the support of our fans. So, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude once more.
At present, I’m putting in a lot of effort to develop a fresh game with a revitalized Square Enix group. It might be some time before I can share the news, but I look forward to working together again in 2025!

Yoji Fujito

It’s great to note that in 2025, Final Fantasy XI will mark its 24th year of service. Despite numerous network services rising and falling over time, Final Fantasy XI has managed to endure due to the unwavering support from players like you. I wanted to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you!
In 2025, I aim to present an engaging experience with numerous updates to ensure the game remains enjoyable. Continue to lend your support to Final Fantasy XI.

Yoji Fujito is the current producer and director for Final Fantasy XI.

Kazuhiro Maetoyo

In the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to encounter numerous individuals, try out multiple professions, and accumulate a significant amount of resources. My goal for 2024 was to fill it with learning experiences, and I managed to gather a lot of knowledge which I incorporated into my game designs. All in all, I believe it was a productive year.
The next 2025 will be the year of output.

Kazuhiro Maetoyo is the creative director and scriptwriter of Final Fantasy XVI.

Naoki Yoshida

2024 was a bustling year filled with various international journeys, intertwined with development, PR events, and meetings. I anticipate that the outcomes from these endeavors will emerge slowly but surely in 2025, so let me direct your focus towards Square Enix and Creative Studio 3! To all gaming enthusiasts and valiant Warriors of Light, we look forward to reuniting with you in 2025 as well!

Mistwalker

Hironobu Sakaguchi

We’re releasing Fantasian Neo Dimension, then produce a new game together with the same team.

Spike Chunsoft

Keisuke Sakurai

2024 was a year I will never forget! It started with the release of Shiren the Wanderer 6, and it felt like a dream come true for me as a long-time fan of the series. As a game developer, I couldn’t have imagined a better way to kick off the year. We followed up the initial release with several updates and some unexpected paid DLC, which kept our team busy but also brought us closer to our dedicated community of Shiren users.
But the cherry on top was the Steam version of Shiren 6! I never thought my entire year would be filled with nothing but Shiren 6, but I couldn’t have been more grateful for it. It’s all thanks to the amazing support from our players who helped hype up the game and make it a success.
As we look towards 2025, I can’t wait to continue hyping up Shiren 6 while also starting work on our next game. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love every day, and I’m excited for the future of my career as a game developer. Thank you to all the Shiren fans out there who have made this journey so special!

Keisuke Sakurai serves as the director for the sixth installment of the Shiren the Wanderer series, titled “The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island.

Hideyuki Shinozaki

In 2024, I thoroughly immersed myself in Shiren the Wanderer 6 for an entire year. I couldn’t have delved this deep without the collective support from all of you. Thank you so much! As we move into 2025, I sense a year brimming with preparation. While I can’t predict what lies ahead, I am eager to begin exploring potential ideas for the next game!

Hideyuki Shinozaki is the associate producer of Shiren the Wanderer 6.

Nagoshi Studio

Toshihiro Nagoshi

Each year, this event continues, but there are no adjustments planned for 2025 regarding full-power spending since our focus remains on enhancing the quality of games. However, we’ve managed to assemble the necessary personnel resources and the fundamental research is nearly complete. It’s high time we accelerate the development process. When we’re ready to release information about the upcoming game, we’ll make sure to announce it widely, so we ask for your patience until that time comes.

Nippon Ichi Software

Kento Jobana

I’m really excited if you could anticipate the upcoming game, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero. It’s a fresh release that has been in development for over 20 years since the initial entry! Furthermore, we’re working diligently on a new intellectual property that exudes cuteness, emotional depth, and distinctive charm similar to other Nippon Ichi Software creations. We can’t wait to announce it soon, so stay tuned!

Kento Jobana is the scenario writer for Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero.

Nihon Falcom

Toshihiro Kondo

As an enthusiast, my aim is to establish a collaborative platform where every game development team within the company can efficiently complete their projects. I’ve come to realize that while individual effort is crucial, there are limitations to what can be achieved alone. Even with additional manpower and resources, success isn’t always guaranteed. My goal is to bring on board like-minded partners who can share this vision and help us create something truly exceptional together.
In 2025, we’re set to unveil the first chapter of Trails in the Sky, a complete overhaul of the original game, Trails in the Sky FC. Despite being a two-decade-old title, I have high hopes for its success due to the talented young team breathing new life into it. As this instalment marks the start of the Trails series, I’d recommend newcomers to the series to give it a try first.

Meguro Works

Shoji Meguro

For the game project I’m independently working on, titled Guns Undarkness, the timeline for completion has been shifting back, but I remain optimistic that we could release an Early Access version by next spring. Contrary to its action-packed, futuristic sci-fi appearance, this game is rooted at its core as a traditional turn-based JRPG. Fans of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series I developed for Atlus might find it intriguing, so if you’re curious, please don’t hesitate to give it a try! First things first, show your interest by adding it to your wishlist on Steam!

Previously employed at Atlus, Shoji Meguro primarily served as a composer, contributing his musical talents to their game titles. However, he parted ways with Atlus in September 2021 and has been operating independently ever since.

2024-12-31 20:58