Summary
WhenFinal Fantasy 14director Naoki Yoshida isn’t running around Hydaelyn as a Lalafell Black Mage named Yoshi’p Sampo, he’s using alternate characters to interact with fans in-game. While that may sound like a dream come true for any creator, Yoshida finds those interactions bittersweet, as he is unable to communicate via voice chat or even accept invitations to lunch with his friends inFinal Fantasy 14.
It isn’t unheard of for game directors to join in on the fun, especially for streams and live events. But when Yoshida wants to escape fame for a moment, heloads up a different characterand experiences the game from the eyes of a consumer. Apparently, that’s exactly how he likes it, but the lifestyle does get lonely at times, as he can’t sustain his friendships for long due to the restrictions of celebrity status.
Yoshida spoke toTheGamerabout how “80-95 percent” ofFinal Fantasy 14’s development team live double lives as both creatives and consumers. They keep their identities hidden from fellow players to preserve anonymity, but that doesn’t mean they can’t join in on the harmless fun. Yoshida claims to enjoyparticipating in community activitiesand making friends. “A lot of people have been playing together with me, and they don’t even realize it. I might even be on their friend’s list, and they don’t know about it,” he said.
Final Fantasy 14 Director Naoki Yoshida Can’t Make Long-Lasting Friendships In-Game
Naturally, Yoshida remaining anonymous presents its own challenges, as he can’t afford to get too comfortable with his online friends. This downside to community interactions makes Yoshida sad as he can’t join voice chats or accept dinner invites. He continued: “I have so many friends in-game, but when they all say, ‘Oh, let’s go for dinner I cannot join them, and that makes me sad. I can’t even voice chat with them.” The life of a game director can be a lonely one, as Yoshida’s unfortunate isolation from his community has proven, but at least he can sleep peacefully knowinghis multiplayer RPG is a massive hit.
Following the success ofFinal Fantasy 16, Naoki Yoshida revealed in an interview thatSquare Enix is actively working onmultiple unannounced games. Yoshida also confirmed that fans can expect details on at least two of these games soon. Fans can look forward to the latest expansion forFinal Fantasy 14coming on July 18, 2025, while players who pre-purchased the update enjoy early access from June 28.
Final Fantasy 14 (2010)
WHERE TO PLAY
Begin your adventure in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm RebornCreate your very own Warrior of Light and embark upon a quest to deliver the land from an eternity of Darkness.Take to the skies in FINAL FANTASY XIV: HeavenswardTake your first steps in the reclusive nation of Ishgard, locked in a seemingly never-ending struggle with dragons.Rekindle the fires of hope in FINAL FANTASY XIV: StormbloodJourney to the East and rise up against the might of the Garlean Empire.Become the darkness in FINAL FANTASY XIV: ShadowbringersTravel to a world where light ushers all unto oblivion. But hope is not yet lost, for where there is light there is shadow.Journey to the very stars above in FINAL FANTASY XIV: EndwalkerA great calamity has been building - a second advent of the Final Days. The Warrior of Light must journey ever higher and stand firm as hope’s last bastion.Set forth for new horizons in FINAL FANTASY XIV: DawntrailBlue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as hope’s light dawns once more.
