Published on: February 13, 2023
Final Fantasy Tactics Developers Busy With New Project, Sparking Switch Remaster Hopes
Square Enix has long been a cornerstone in the world of tactical RPGs, and one franchise stands out as a perennial fan favorite: Final Fantasy Tactics.
Originally released in 1997 on the PlayStation, the game set a new standard for the genre and has inspired demand for new versions ever since.
Recent statements from the development team behind Theatrhythm Final Bar Line have ignited fresh speculation about a potential Final Fantasy Tactics remaster—especially for Nintendo Switch fans eager to see the title return for a new generation.
During a recent interview hosted by French gaming website Finaland, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line producer Ichiro Hazama and director Masanobu Suzui addressed a range of topics concerning Square Enix’s upcoming rhythm game entries.
When asked specifically about the absence of Final Fantasy Tactics characters in Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, Ichiro Hazama provided a telling update on the Tactics team's current activities.
Hazama explained, in clear terms, that members of the Final Fantasy Tactics development team are presently “deeply engaged in another project,” adding that their workload has kept them from collaborating on Theatrhythm content.
"Our colleagues from the Tactics team have significant commitments right now and are focused on another ongoing project, so discussions with them had to be put on hold," he clarified.
While Hazama stopped short of confirming any specific title, fans have taken these remarks as the strongest indication yet that something significant is in development—involving the very team responsible for Final Fantasy Tactics.
Ever since a 2021 NVIDIA GeForce Now leak hinted at possible remasters of several classic Square Enix titles, speculation has run high about which projects might see the light of day on modern platforms.
Square Enix has previously shown its appreciation for the Switch audience by releasing many beloved RPG ports and remasters via the Nintendo eShop, including classics like Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, and XII.
However, Final Fantasy Tactics has yet to appear on the Nintendo Switch, making it one of the most requested titles in Square Enix's classic RPG catalog.
If a remaster were to be announced, it would follow a growing trend of bringing legacy games to both new and returning fans through modern hardware like the Nintendo Switch.
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, the latest entry in Square Enix’s rhythm game series, is set for release on February 16, 2023.
The game's ongoing development also highlights the continued collaboration among key creative figures within Square Enix.
For now, there remains no official confirmation from Square Enix regarding a remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics for the Nintendo Switch or any new hardware.
However, the development team’s current focus on an undisclosed project, as stated by Hazama, has reignited hopes among tactical RPG enthusiasts and Switch players alike.
Fans continue to hope for a formal announcement, which would offer one of gaming’s most acclaimed tactical RPG experiences to a new audience.
For the full context and additional insights, readers can visit the complete interview transcript on Finaland.
Final Fantasy Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Theatrhythm Final Bar Line Final Fantasy Tactics Square Enix Finaland Ichiro Hazama Masanobu Suzui