Final Fantasy XIII Gains New Popularity Among Square Enix’s Latest Developers
Since its release in 2009, Final Fantasy XIII has sparked passionate debate among fans of the storied Japanese RPG franchise.
Launched for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Final Fantasy XIII marked a significant milestone for developer Square Enix by bringing the beloved RPG series to Microsoft’s platform for the first time.
Today, more than a decade later, the title is experiencing an unexpected resurgence, especially within Square Enix’s growing team of new talents. Naoki Hamaguchi, renowned as the director behind the acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake, recently shared his observations in a new interview.
According to Hamaguchi, as Square Enix welcomes fresh faces into its ranks, he’s noticed a notable shift in the generational favorites among staff members.
Where earlier generations of developers would often cite Final Fantasy VI as their entry point or personal favorite, younger employees increasingly express fondness for Final Fantasy XIII.
Hamaguchi reflected that this shift in preferences reminds him of the passage of time and the evolving landscape of gaming tastes. "With each wave of new employees joining the company, preferences seem to shift," Hamaguchi noted.
"Nowadays, it’s less common to hear about Final Fantasy VI—it’s Final Fantasy XIII that’s emerging as the favorite for many newcomers.
It really emphasizes the generational changes within the company and the industry." This generational shift is symbolic of the franchise's enduring impact and ability to resonate with different audiences over time.
Final Fantasy XIII, originally released on March 9, 2010, in North America (December 17, 2009, in Japan), quickly stood out for its cinematic presentation, fast-paced battle system, and memorable cast, despite initial mixed reviews.
Its multiplatform launch was particularly notable, as it was the first core Final Fantasy entry released simultaneously on both PlayStation and Xbox consoles, broadening the series' reach globally. Over the years, Final Fantasy XIII has achieved sales milestones, with combined worldwide shipments of the XIII trilogy surpassing 11 million units by late 2014.
The title also paved the way for two sequels—Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII—further expanding its legacy within the series. For Square Enix, such generational shifts in game preferences among developers highlight how the impact of a single title can evolve as new talent enters the industry.
As the company continues to innovate with projects like Final Fantasy VII Remake and upcoming titles for platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and beyond, its history serves as inspiration for future RPG development. Final Fantasy XIII’s renewed popularity among new Square Enix staff is a testament to the ever-changing tastes of the gaming community and the potential for classic titles to find new life with each generation of players and creators alike.
Launched for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Final Fantasy XIII marked a significant milestone for developer Square Enix by bringing the beloved RPG series to Microsoft’s platform for the first time.
Today, more than a decade later, the title is experiencing an unexpected resurgence, especially within Square Enix’s growing team of new talents. Naoki Hamaguchi, renowned as the director behind the acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake, recently shared his observations in a new interview.
According to Hamaguchi, as Square Enix welcomes fresh faces into its ranks, he’s noticed a notable shift in the generational favorites among staff members.
Where earlier generations of developers would often cite Final Fantasy VI as their entry point or personal favorite, younger employees increasingly express fondness for Final Fantasy XIII.
Hamaguchi reflected that this shift in preferences reminds him of the passage of time and the evolving landscape of gaming tastes. "With each wave of new employees joining the company, preferences seem to shift," Hamaguchi noted.
"Nowadays, it’s less common to hear about Final Fantasy VI—it’s Final Fantasy XIII that’s emerging as the favorite for many newcomers.
It really emphasizes the generational changes within the company and the industry." This generational shift is symbolic of the franchise's enduring impact and ability to resonate with different audiences over time.
Final Fantasy XIII, originally released on March 9, 2010, in North America (December 17, 2009, in Japan), quickly stood out for its cinematic presentation, fast-paced battle system, and memorable cast, despite initial mixed reviews.
Its multiplatform launch was particularly notable, as it was the first core Final Fantasy entry released simultaneously on both PlayStation and Xbox consoles, broadening the series' reach globally. Over the years, Final Fantasy XIII has achieved sales milestones, with combined worldwide shipments of the XIII trilogy surpassing 11 million units by late 2014.
The title also paved the way for two sequels—Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII—further expanding its legacy within the series. For Square Enix, such generational shifts in game preferences among developers highlight how the impact of a single title can evolve as new talent enters the industry.
As the company continues to innovate with projects like Final Fantasy VII Remake and upcoming titles for platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and beyond, its history serves as inspiration for future RPG development. Final Fantasy XIII’s renewed popularity among new Square Enix staff is a testament to the ever-changing tastes of the gaming community and the potential for classic titles to find new life with each generation of players and creators alike.
