Square Enix producer Naoki Hamaguchi has confirmed that Creative Studio 1 — the internal team he leads — is developing Kingdom Hearts IV, according to an interview published by Deadline.
Hamaguchi’s remarks add a clear development credit to the long-running action-RPG franchise that Square Enix created in collaboration with Disney.
Background
Kingdom Hearts is a multi-title franchise from Square Enix and Disney that began in 2002 and has since spanned multiple consoles and spin-offs.
The series mixes action-RPG mechanics with crossover storytelling that features Square Enix characters alongside Disney properties.
Kingdom Hearts IV has been one of the most anticipated entries in the series, and Hamaguchi’s statement identifies Creative Studio 1 as the team overseeing its development.
What Hamaguchi said (rewritten)
In the Deadline interview, Hamaguchi told the outlet that Square Enix leadership views 2027 as a pivotal year for the company’s turnaround, citing comments from company president Takashi Kiryu.
He said that two major projects — Final Fantasy VII Revelation and Kingdom Hearts IV — are positioned to be significant drivers for Square Enix’s recovery, and that both titles are being produced under his Creative Studio 1.
Hamaguchi added that he is energized by the responsibility and will be the person pushing those projects forward within his studio.
Why this matters
Assigning Kingdom Hearts IV to Creative Studio 1 is notable because it clarifies internal development responsibilities inside Square Enix for one of its flagship franchises.
For industry observers and fans alike, development leadership can influence production priorities, staffing, and the overall timeline for a high-profile title.
Context for console and platform discussion
While Kingdom Hearts titles have historically launched on PlayStation and other major platforms, Square Enix and fans often watch official showcases such as Nintendo Direct and digital storefronts like the Nintendo eShop for announcements and platform news.
Hamaguchi’s confirmation via Deadline is a developer-level update; Square Enix remains the publisher overseeing release plans and platform strategy.
Verified facts in this report include Hamaguchi’s confirmation to Deadline, the involvement of Creative Studio 1 in Kingdom Hearts IV development, and the broader role of Kingdom Hearts as a long-running Square Enix and Disney collaboration.
Square Enix’s publicly known projects and leadership statements remain the primary sources for this coverage.
Hamaguchi’s remarks add a clear development credit to the long-running action-RPG franchise that Square Enix created in collaboration with Disney.
Background
Kingdom Hearts is a multi-title franchise from Square Enix and Disney that began in 2002 and has since spanned multiple consoles and spin-offs.
The series mixes action-RPG mechanics with crossover storytelling that features Square Enix characters alongside Disney properties.
Kingdom Hearts IV has been one of the most anticipated entries in the series, and Hamaguchi’s statement identifies Creative Studio 1 as the team overseeing its development.
What Hamaguchi said (rewritten)
In the Deadline interview, Hamaguchi told the outlet that Square Enix leadership views 2027 as a pivotal year for the company’s turnaround, citing comments from company president Takashi Kiryu.
He said that two major projects — Final Fantasy VII Revelation and Kingdom Hearts IV — are positioned to be significant drivers for Square Enix’s recovery, and that both titles are being produced under his Creative Studio 1.
Hamaguchi added that he is energized by the responsibility and will be the person pushing those projects forward within his studio.
Why this matters
Assigning Kingdom Hearts IV to Creative Studio 1 is notable because it clarifies internal development responsibilities inside Square Enix for one of its flagship franchises.
For industry observers and fans alike, development leadership can influence production priorities, staffing, and the overall timeline for a high-profile title.
Context for console and platform discussion
While Kingdom Hearts titles have historically launched on PlayStation and other major platforms, Square Enix and fans often watch official showcases such as Nintendo Direct and digital storefronts like the Nintendo eShop for announcements and platform news.
Hamaguchi’s confirmation via Deadline is a developer-level update; Square Enix remains the publisher overseeing release plans and platform strategy.
Verified facts in this report include Hamaguchi’s confirmation to Deadline, the involvement of Creative Studio 1 in Kingdom Hearts IV development, and the broader role of Kingdom Hearts as a long-running Square Enix and Disney collaboration.
Square Enix’s publicly known projects and leadership statements remain the primary sources for this coverage.
