Final Fantasy XVI producer explains why it doesn't have an open world

Final Fantasy XVI is one of the most anticipated releases in recent years. It will arrive sometime in the summer of 2023 on PS5 and Square Enix continues to reveal some details about the project. On this occasion, the title's producer Naoki Yoshida has explained in an interview with Famitsu magazine some of the decisions that have been taken along the way, especially regarding the absence of open world.

"It is impossible to create a global story in an open world"

Full screen

Yoshida's words show the studio's high ambition in approaching the project: "The production, the dialogue timing, the drama, the sound—they all combined to create the greatest gaming experience possible," he explains. However, the renunciation of the open world is something that has surprised part of the community. According to the creative, an element that "would not fit" with what those responsible for the title had proposed.

In addition, he also reflects on the studio's ability to do something like this, since "after considering these key points, I think it's practically impossible to ask for everything", to which he adds that "with a development period of around 15 years, we could have had the opportunity to meet the challenge of making an open world, although in terms of costs and time it's almost impossible to create a global story in such a world".

In addition, he also reflects on the studio's ability to do something like this, since “when considering these four main points, I believe it is practically impossible to ask for everything," to which he adds that "If we had a development period of about 15 years, we may have had the opportunity of challenging ourselves with an open world. After all, it’s almost impossible in terms of time and cost to create a global story within an open world."

Final Fantasy XVI is a PS5 temporary exclusive, and its release date is scheduled for summer 2023. In the official synopsis, we can read the following: "The land of Valisthea is studded with Mothercrystals—glittering mountains of crystal that tower over the realms around them, blessing them with aether. For generations, people have flocked to these beacons to take advantage of their blessing, using the aether to conjure magicks that let them live lives of comfort and plenty. Great powers have grown up around each Mothercrystal, and an uneasy peace has long reigned between them. Yet now the peace falters as the spread of the Blight threatens to destroy their dominions.”

Source | Famitsu, via VGC