Final Fantasy XV director’s new studio has 2 games with ‘major partners’

Square Enix veteran Hajime Tabata has two RPGs in development at his latest studio, Tokyo-based JP Games.

He told Famitsu (via Gematsu) that the “large-scale titles” are being developed in collaboration with major companies.

One project, which has completed pre-production, is described as an experimental, high-speed RPG that offers an evolution of Final Fantasy Type-0.

Tabata reportedly said the game will take less time to complete than traditional RPGs, but that it is being designed to be replayed numerous times in multiplayer.

The second RPG, which was only recently started, is billed as a AAA evolution of Final Fantasy XV that will incorporate free exploration.

Tabata left Square Enix in November 2018. At the time, he was heading up the company’s new Luminous Productions studio.

“In regards to my next endeavors and near future, I have a project that I truly wish to solidify as my next challenge after FFXV,” he said at the time.

“For that reason, I have decided to leave my current position and start my own business in order to achieve my goal.”

Luminous Productions’ debut title, Forspoken, is scheduled for release on PC and PS5 in 2022, and will reportedly be a PlayStation console exclusive for two years.

Billed as “a narrative-driven adventure set in a beautiful yet cruel world,” the game sees players take on the role of Frey Holland, “an ordinary young woman who must harness her magical abilities to survive in the fantastical yet dangerous land of Athia”.

Square Enix has said it’s aiming to deliver “the highest quality visuals ever seen in an open world game” with Forspoken.