Hironobu Sakaguchi Confirms New Project With Fantasian Neo Dimension Team, Hints at Final Fantasy VI Successor

Legendary game designer Hironobu Sakaguchi, the mind behind the iconic Final Fantasy series and founder of Mistwalker, has confirmed in recent interviews that he is currently developing a new project with the same team that brought players Fantasian Neo Dimension.

Fresh off the December 2024 release of Fantasian Neo Dimension on Nintendo Switch and other platforms, fans of classic JRPGs have been eager to learn about Sakaguchi’s next steps after an acclaimed return to form.

Speaking to The Verge, Sakaguchi provided insight into the direction of his upcoming title.

He shared, “I’m currently working on a new project with the Fantasian Neo Dimension team.

It will generally follow a similar style to my previous titles and aims to be a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI.

We want to create something that feels familiar yet offers something fresh—it’s intended to be the second part of my farewell to game development.” This statement reinforces Sakaguchi’s ongoing passion for the genre he helped define, while also acknowledging the legacy he wishes to build upon. Additional details about the project surfaced in a separate interview with Famitsu, where Sakaguchi discussed his ongoing commitment to game development.

Dispelling any notions of retirement, he revealed, "There are many aspects I can't share yet, but I'm working on a new project.

Although I can’t go into detail about the specifics, the script has been completed for about a year, and I believe we’re making steady progress.

I expect that in about two years, we’ll reach an important milestone." Notably, the new initiative is said to reunite Sakaguchi with acclaimed composer Nobuo Uematsu, known for his legendary work across the Final Fantasy series.

Fans have come to expect excellence from the collaboration between Mistwalker and Uematsu, as their previous joint efforts have resulted in memorable soundtracks and compelling storytelling. The anticipation around Sakaguchi’s latest project follows the positive critical reception of Fantasian Neo Dimension, which was lauded for its nostalgic approach and innovative use of diorama-based graphics.

Fantasian Neo Dimension’s release on the Nintendo Switch eShop marked a significant expansion for Mistwalker, as it brought the studio’s distinct JRPG experience to a wider audience on Nintendo’s popular hardware. Sakaguchi’s commitment to crafting games with emotional resonance and his willingness to revisit the style and themes of classics like Final Fantasy VI underscore his role as a central figure in the evolution of Japanese RPGs.

As the team at Mistwalker continues development, Nintendo Switch owners and JRPG enthusiasts alike will be watching closely for new announcements, release dates, and gameplay showcases, especially as Nintendo Direct events continue to spotlight major upcoming titles. With scripting complete and development underway, the project promises to further cement Sakaguchi’s influence on the genre.

As new details emerge in interviews and official updates, fans can look forward to another chapter in Sakaguchi’s storied game development career—one that could once again set the bar for narrative-driven, turn-based adventures on Nintendo’s platforms.

Final Fantasy Hironobu Sakaguchi Fantasian Neo Dimension Final Fantasy VI