Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time has undergone significant changes as Level-5, the acclaimed Japanese developer, confirmed a sweeping internal restructuring following the departure of veteran producer Keiji Inafune.
Originally announced in 2023 and developed for the Nintendo Switch, the highly anticipated RPG in the Fantasy Life franchise experienced multiple delays—now scheduled for release on May 21, 2025. The development setback was detailed in a recent blog post by Level-5.
According to the update, Inafune, widely known for his pivotal role in creating Mega Man and as the mind behind Mighty No.9, left Level-5 in mid-2024.
The company described his exit as an "unexpected challenge," forcing the Fantasy Life i team to pause and reevaluate the game’s direction. Although the blog did not disclose specific reasons for Inafune's departure, it outlined the response from Level-5 leadership.
CEO Akihiro Hino explained that after the departure and subsequent internal playtests yielding critical feedback, he personally assumed the role of producer.
This prompted a major shift: the principal development team, previously based in Osaka, was relocated to Level-5's headquarters.
Hino emphasized that the Osaka team had worked diligently from the outset, but restructuring enabled the project to benefit from talent across all company studios, including Fukuoka and Tokyo.
This move, according to Hino, "significantly strengthened our development capabilities" and allowed the team to focus on enhancing every aspect of the game through the final stages of production. The blog further states that the overhaul led to key changes.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time now boasts newly implemented open-world exploration, dynamic parkour-inspired movement, revamped progression systems, refined gameplay mechanics, and a more emotionally resonant narrative.
These innovations were made possible by the expanded development team and renewed commitment to delivering a quality experience on the Nintendo Switch platform. With a firm release date of May 21, 2025, players can look forward to seeing Level-5’s reimagined vision for Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time.
The project stands as a testament to the studio's adaptability and continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of their RPG legacy.
Originally announced in 2023 and developed for the Nintendo Switch, the highly anticipated RPG in the Fantasy Life franchise experienced multiple delays—now scheduled for release on May 21, 2025. The development setback was detailed in a recent blog post by Level-5.
According to the update, Inafune, widely known for his pivotal role in creating Mega Man and as the mind behind Mighty No.9, left Level-5 in mid-2024.
The company described his exit as an "unexpected challenge," forcing the Fantasy Life i team to pause and reevaluate the game’s direction. Although the blog did not disclose specific reasons for Inafune's departure, it outlined the response from Level-5 leadership.
CEO Akihiro Hino explained that after the departure and subsequent internal playtests yielding critical feedback, he personally assumed the role of producer.
This prompted a major shift: the principal development team, previously based in Osaka, was relocated to Level-5's headquarters.
Hino emphasized that the Osaka team had worked diligently from the outset, but restructuring enabled the project to benefit from talent across all company studios, including Fukuoka and Tokyo.
This move, according to Hino, "significantly strengthened our development capabilities" and allowed the team to focus on enhancing every aspect of the game through the final stages of production. The blog further states that the overhaul led to key changes.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time now boasts newly implemented open-world exploration, dynamic parkour-inspired movement, revamped progression systems, refined gameplay mechanics, and a more emotionally resonant narrative.
These innovations were made possible by the expanded development team and renewed commitment to delivering a quality experience on the Nintendo Switch platform. With a firm release date of May 21, 2025, players can look forward to seeing Level-5’s reimagined vision for Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time.
The project stands as a testament to the studio's adaptability and continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of their RPG legacy.
