Tokyo, Japan – Naoki Yoshida, the director of Final Fantasy 14, recently expressed his regrets about the stress-free nature of the long-standing MMO. In an interview with Famitsu, Yoshida emphasized the necessity of finding a balance between challenging and enjoyable gameplay. He highlighted Square Enix’s efforts over the years to minimize stress and discomfort for players, but now worries that the game may have become too easy.
Yoshida acknowledged the importance of including elements of stress in video games, admitting that determining the proper balance is a challenging task. He used the analogy of a side-scrolling platformer without any obstacles to illustrate how removing stress can also diminish the fun factor in a game. Reflecting on the past decade of Final Fantasy 14, Yoshida indicated a desire to reintroduce a better balance of risk and reward to provide players with a more engaging challenge.
While Yoshida did not specify which areas of the game he believes have become too relaxed, he expressed a commitment to surprising players with new and unexpected experiences. He emphasized the need for Final Fantasy 14 to offer a level of difficulty that pushes players beyond their comfort zones in a positive way, aiming to enhance the overall gaming experience.
In a separate interview, Yoshida revealed his aspiration to direct another major game before retiring from the industry. This goal further underscores his dedication to creating innovative and engaging gaming experiences for players worldwide. As Yoshida continues to lead the development of Final Fantasy 14, his focus remains on striking a balance between player comfort and the thrill of overcoming challenges in a virtual world.