Tatsuya Kando Departs Square Enix After 29 Years: The World Ends With You Director Looks Toward New Horizons

Square Enix veteran Tatsuya Kando—best known as the director behind the cult classic The World Ends With You and its sequel NEO: The World Ends With You—has officially parted ways with the renowned Japanese developer after an impressive 29-year tenure.

The news was announced via Kando’s official X (formerly Twitter) account and subsequently reported by reputable sources, including Nintendo Everything.

Kando’s legacy at Square Enix spans nearly three decades, during which he contributed to some of the most celebrated franchises in the industry.

In addition to directing The World Ends With You and its Nintendo Switch adaptation, he played pivotal roles in the development of hallmark series like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts.

These contributions helped shape the history of Japanese RPGs and brought innovative gameplay and storytelling to millions worldwide. In his farewell message, Kando reflected on his career with deep appreciation.

He remarked that his time at Square Enix offered him the unique opportunity to work on a remarkable range of projects, including celebrated series such as Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts.

He noted the invaluable experiences he gained and emphasized how the positive voices and feedback from the gaming community served as a constant source of motivation.

"I am exceedingly thankful for the encouragement and support I’ve received throughout my journey.

Your passion gave me strength to continue developing games every day," Kando stated. He went on to affirm his ongoing commitment to the industry, expressing his aspiration to keep making games that delight and inspire players.

"Looking ahead, my goal remains to create enjoyable and engaging experiences that bring joy to all of you," Kando explained, signaling his intention to pursue new creative ventures beyond Square Enix. The World Ends With You, originally released for the Nintendo DS in 2007, became a fan favorite for its distinctive blend of urban setting, innovative combat, and memorable soundtrack.

The critically acclaimed title was later remastered as The World Ends With You: Final Remix on the Nintendo Switch, introducing a new generation to its unique style.

Kando’s direction was instrumental to the series’ artistic identity, and his departure marks the end of an era for the franchise. Kando’s remarkable career at Square Enix also included contributions to key entries in the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts series, both of which remain cornerstones of the company’s portfolio and significant draws on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles.

As the industry moves forward, Kando's next steps are highly anticipated by fans and peers alike. While Kando has yet to detail his future plans, his farewell message implies that he will remain active in game development—raising hopes that his creativity will continue to enrich the world of video games.

His legacy at Square Enix and impact on beloved titles ensure that wherever he chooses to go next, both the industry and its devoted fanbase will be watching closely.

Final Fantasy Square Enix Kingdom Hearts Enix Square Tatsuya Kando The World Ends With You NEO: The World Ends With You Nintendo Nintendo Switch