Yoshinori Kitase, the original director of Final Fantasy 6, recently shared insights that might disappoint fans hoping for a remake of the classic game.
In a detailed interview with YouTuber Julien Chièze, Kitase suggested that a remake of Final Fantasy 6, akin to the Final Fantasy 7 remake, would be a massive undertaking. He estimated that it could take as long as 20 years to develop, considering the extensive number of characters and the scale of the game.
Kitase’s perspective comes from his experience with the ongoing Final Fantasy 7 Remake project, which has spanned a decade with the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. He noted that the development duration for a potential Final Fantasy 6 remake could be double that of the two Final Fantasy 7 Remake installments produced so far. This is mainly due to the sheer volume of characters in Final Fantasy 6, which would likely make it an even more extensive project than the entire Final Fantasy 7 Remake series.
Despite Kitase’s push within Square Enix for a Final Fantasy 6 remake, he seems less optimistic about the feasibility of a lengthy and financially demanding project. However, fans of the series still have Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to look forward to, which is set for release on February 29, exclusively for the PS5.
The prospect of a Final Fantasy 6 remake has been a topic of discussion among the community and even within Square Enix for a long time. The game, renowned for its story and characters, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Unfortunately, Kitase’s comments about the project’s scale and time frame shed light on the challenges of remaking such an extensive and beloved game.
The interview also touched on the broader context of game development and the industry’s current state. With rising development costs and the financial risks involved in lengthy projects, the feasibility of a 20-year development cycle for a single game appears increasingly impractical.
While a complete remake of Final Fantasy 6 might be unlikely, fans of the series can still enjoy the game in its original form or through the Final Fantasy 6 Pixel Remaster. The remaster offers a modernized version of the game with updated graphics and music, providing an alternative way to experience the classic title – complete with Sabin supplexing a Train in all of its pixelated glory.
In the meantime, discussions about the potential for remakes of other classic Final Fantasy titles, such as Final Fantasy 9, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy Tactics, continue to circulate. Nevertheless, there seems to be a growing consensus on the internet that Square Enix should focus on new and innovative titles rather than revisiting old ground, especially considering the immense resources required for such projects.
As for Final Fantasy 6, fans can certainly dream of a more realistic RPG-style remake, given how this could explore the game’s world and characters in greater depth. This includes potential enhancements to gameplay, such as mechanics for piloting Magitek Armor or exploring new aspects of the game’s world. Yet, while intriguing, the complexities and scale of reimagining a game as rich and detailed as Final Fantasy 6, make them less likely than Aerith surviving through the end of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Ultimately, while the desire for a Final Fantasy 6 remake remains strong among fans, the realities of modern video game development make such a project highly challenging and unlikely in the near future.
The focus for Square Enix appears to be on continuing the Final Fantasy 7 Remake project and exploring new directions for the franchise, even as fans continue to hold a special place for the classic titles in their hearts.
