Fujito interview with 4gamer.net (LONG READ)

[Ultimoore]

Here is a AI translation of Mr. Fujito's interview with 4gamer.net.
here is the Link to the article.

**4Gamer:**
Thank you for today.
In May of this year, the scenario "Embrace of the Eclipse" concluded, and it was announced that there would be no introduction of major content in the future.
As for the future, it has been stated that the focus will be on "building and maintaining a comfortable playing environment." Could you please provide more specific details about what will be done?

**Thumbnail Image of Gallery No.009 / [Interview] The Future of Vana'diel, and Preserving Its Legacy. An Interview with Hiromu Fujito, the Third Producer of FFXI**

**Hiromu Fujito (Hereinafter referred to as Fujito):**
Within the layered specifications that we have built up through previous updates, our goal is to revisit and streamline parts that are inconsistent or have become separate due to the management of past systems. The game's appearance won't change significantly, but it will be updates that gradually improve aspects that players might have thought "would be better this way."

**4Gamer:**
So, are you not going to make any system adjustments?

**Fujito:**
No, we are also planning to support seasonal event-related excitement. As we mentioned in the "Vana'diel Gathering" released in May, we are also working on planning events where everyone cooperates across different worlds.
We're also considering some experimental things, but in terms of gameplay, I think many people may not feel that they are doing anything special. We are working in collaboration with the community team on this, but please allow us a little more time for specific discussions.

**4Gamer:**
Since Mr. Fujito took on the role of the new producer, has there been any change in the composition of the development team? Like changes in the number of personnel.

**Fujito:**
There hasn't been any significant change. The number of full-time members dedicated to "FF11" has decreased, but in return, they are also involved part-time. In terms of operating the game, we have been able to secure the necessary number of people.

**4Gamer:**
So, there are many part-time members.

**Fujito:**
As I mentioned before, "FFXI" fundamentally can't receive updates to its core development environment. It's based on the PS2 framework from 20 years ago, and we have no choice but to continue working with that environment. However, the development equipment for it is no longer being produced. It's like dealing with antiques, and getting newcomers to learn old technology from scratch now involves a significant risk for them. So, we are assuming that experienced individuals will cover this aspect.

**4Gamer:**
Considering there won't be any new PS2 games developed from now on.

**Fujito:**
I think there will come a time when the service for "FF11" will end, but when that time comes, the technology they are familiar with from, say, 30 years ago won't be able to keep up with the new technology.

For full-time members, learning new technology in parallel is challenging, and it significantly raises the risk in their lives.

**4Gamer:**
"FF11" is important, but the future of the members is also important.

**Fujito:**
Yes. That's why many of the current members are assigned to other projects or departments, or temporarily moved to different divisions, to absorb the latest technology. As a result, the workforce has decreased a bit, but it doesn't mean we can't do new things at all.

**4Gamer:**
Previously, we heard about the progress of server replacement. Can we consider that the service will continue for several more years?

**Fujito:**
Of course, there's no immediate plan to end the service. Because we're investing a lot of money to replace the servers! (laughs)
The servers for "FF11" have become so old that maintenance contracts can't be secured anymore. We held on until the last minute, but around the 20th anniversary last year, we had to make a choice between "ending the service" or "replacing the servers."

**4Gamer:**
You were faced with a difficult decision.

**Fujito:**
The consideration of whether to continue the service of "FF11" had actually been ongoing for several years. However, revenue is still strong, which is one of the reasons why we decided to replace the servers and continue to guarantee the hardware aspect.

**4Gamer:**
With the replacement, how long can the servers be maintained physically?

**Fujito:**
I think this replacement will allow us to continue for another 10 years. By the way, we're running old software on the new hardware by emulating it, since the hardware specifications have improved. But that seems to be quite challenging.
In our YouTube series "Creating Square Enix," the server personnel from the Information Systems Department discuss the difficulties they faced during the previous server replacement. If you're interested, I recommend checking it out.

**4Gamer:**
We can see the 30th anniversary coming!

**Fujito:**
Yes, indeed! (laughs) Since there are fixed monthly costs to maintain the servers, we need to at least make a minimum profit. Currently, we feel that things are going well enough, but if possible, we would like to reach the timing for the next server replacement.

**4Gamer:**
Of course, players would also hope for that. It's amazing for a game to continue for 30 years.

**Fujito:**
When I think of titles that have been in service longer than this one, I immediately recall predecessors like "Ultima Online" and "EverQuest." However, "FFXI" is the first MMORPG that started from a console gaming platform and also has the distinction of being developed in Japan. So, in that context, it's like a pioneer.

**4Gamer:**
The two previous titles were based on PC, which might make renewal easier. If those continue, we might see a 40th anniversary. It seems plausible (laughs).

**Fujito:**
As I mentioned earlier, the development environment for "FF11" is based on the PS2, and specific development equipment is required to verify its behavior. During the initial development, middleware was created specifically for it, and it used a dedicated file format.

At this point, there are already hundreds of thousands of files, so converting everything for use in a different system would require an enormous amount of effort. If we were to do it, it would cost the same as creating a new game, if not more. In that case, it would be more reasonable to create a new game instead.

**4Gamer:**
There are voices wishing for an offline version of "FFXI," but that seems challenging.

**Fujito:**
Whether it's an online version or an offline version, if creating "FFXI" anew could bring in more customers than we currently have, there might be a possibility, but probably not. This is from a business perspective and is quite difficult.

**Collaboration events and exhibitions have materialized the flow of "passion"!?**

**4Gamer:**
Next, I'd like to ask about the 20th-anniversary project. The collaboration event "Fantasia's Utayabito" between "Granblue Fantasy" and "Final Fantasy XI" was very well received and is still fresh in memory. Are there any other collaboration plans in the works?

**Fujito:**
As of now, we're not considering anything like that. In fact, the collaboration project for the 20th anniversary wasn't something we proposed ourselves. Instead, it started from the feeling of, "Isn't it already exciting enough without collaborating with us?" (laughs).

**4Gamer:**
Collaborations often involve requesting popular and well-known titles.

**Fujito:**
It seems the folks at Cygames were dedicated "FFXI" players. Through the program featuring Eriko Kato, we knew there were people playing, but when they approached us with the collaboration proposal, I was like, "Is there something going on...?" and was quite suspicious (laughs).

**4Gamer:**
So, you were skeptical (laughs).

**Fujito:**
It was an unexpected proposition, so I was surprised. As we continued to discuss it, their enthusiasm became evident, and I realized they were serious about it. The project took about two years from its inception to develop. Most of it was created on their side, and our role was mainly in supervising.

**4Gamer:**
So, it was Cygames' enthusiasm that drove the project.

**Fujito:**
Also, this surprised me a bit, but they even produced a web program solely for introducing the content of "FFXI."

**4Gamer:**
I watched it, and it was truly a program solely about "FFXI."

**Fujito:**
They didn't even mention "Granblue Fantasy" in the collaboration episode (laughs). I confirmed multiple times whether it was really okay that there was hardly any talk about "Granblue Fantasy." I thought that those who don't know "FFXI" might not be able to follow, but their dedication was quite impressive. For "FFXI" veterans, it was probably the ultimate program.

**4Gamer:**
It really felt like they genuinely love "FFXI." In the future, if there are passionate proposals, could collaborations with other works also be possible?

**Fujito:**
Collaborations need to be mutually beneficial; otherwise, they won't make sense. Considering that we don't have a lot we can offer, it's realistically challenging. It's enough if people have the feeling of liking it, even if it's not a collaboration.

The Future of Vana'diel, and Preserving Its Legacy. An Interview with Hiromu Fujito, the Third Producer of FFXI**

**4Gamer:**
Characters from "FFXI," like Scholar Shantotto, also appear in other Square Enix titles, right?

**Fujito:**
Yes, that's right. Recently, we've received requests from titles like "Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia" and "Final Fantasy Record Keeper" to continue having characters from "FFXI" make appearances.

**4Gamer:**
Scholar Shantotto is quite popular among players as well. She's been helpful to adventurers since the early days.

**Fujito:**
"FFXI" doesn't have many NPCs with original faces. However, Scholar Shantotto has a very distinctive personality and is highly popular among players. So, she's serving as a representative face of "FFXI."

**4Gamer:**
Regarding the "FFXI Vana'diel Treasure Exhibition," in our previous interview, there was a sense that organizing offline events would be difficult. However, now it's been unexpectedly decided to hold the event. Could you share the background that led to this decision?

The Future of Vana'diel, and Preserving Its Legacy. An Interview with Hiromu Fujito, the Third Producer of FFXI**

**"FFXI Vana'diel Treasure Exhibition" Special Site**

**Fujito:**
This also ties into the earlier discussion about "enthusiasm." The person in charge of planning and organizing the "Vana'diel Treasure Exhibition" at Movic is a massive "FFXI" fan, or rather, they have almost all the goods, books, and packages released so far. They're incredibly dedicated, even going to the extent of finding and acquiring goods that are no longer sold through overseas auction sites.

**4Gamer:**
So, this was another proposal brought by someone from another company who was a fervent "FFXI" fan.

**Fujito:**
Exactly. He's the one who planned merchandise like the watch that was released last year. Within the context of producing merchandise, we had discussions like "It would be great if we could do something." But around last summer, he approached us with the idea of organizing a real-life exhibition.

4Gamer:
"FFXI" fans tend to be quite active.

Fujito:
During the 20th anniversary and at a time when we were considering changing producers, it took some time before we delved into concrete discussions. Despite that, as we both approached the talks with a positive outlook, we ended up deciding to hold the event.

4Gamer:
I checked the official site for the Treasure Exhibition, and there are many interesting goods that haven't been seen before. Personally, I really liked the Hecteyes Multi Stand. I wonder if this also stems from a deep love for "FFXI."

Fujito:
The Movic representative has a strong attachment to "FFXI," or I should say, a deep understanding of it.

4Gamer:
Previous merchandise was fantastic, but this time, even with something like a T-shirt, there's a variety of designs. There's a neon-sign-like Guild icon design, English logos, monochromatic celestial maps, designs reminiscent of trendy photo T-shirts, and even logo designs like those from band tour T-shirts. It's like they're catering to different clothing preferences. There's meticulous attention to detail, and that brought a different kind of interest.

Fujito:
It's clear that the deep love for the work translates into the design of the merchandise. Also, goods designed by professionals have a certain distinct charm. It was a good decision to trust their sensibilities.

4Gamer:
Could you also tell us about the contents of the exhibition at the Treasure Exhibition? We've heard that there will be unreleased materials and sculptures. Could you give us an idea of the scale?

Fujito:
The venue's size isn't enormous, so if you're just looking around, you could probably see it all in about 30 minutes. The exhibition includes development materials, primarily character concept illustrations and setting texts, with a majority being previously unreleased. Some of the sculptures that were displayed at places like the "Vana'diel Cafe" will also be part of the exhibit, but there will be even more items that haven't been shown before. It's a rather rare exhibition even in the industry. However, I'd say you should experience it in person at the venue. There are many items being shown for the first time, so I encourage you to take your time and explore.

[Ultimoore]

4Gamer:
Even those who consider themselves huge "FFXI" enthusiasts might encounter things they've never seen before and think, "I've never seen this at all!"

Fujito:
Yes, that's right! There will probably be moments like that. Some people might get so captivated by a specific exhibit that they won't want to leave...

4Gamer:
I'm really looking forward to seeing those exhibits. Returning to the topic of merchandise, could you tell us about the items that will be available at the Treasure Exhibition? And are there plans to create new merchandise after the exhibition?

Fujito:
We have the merchandise details on the special website. There are unique items like a parka inspired by the Bahamut Cloak and half pants featuring the motif of the Byakko Haidate. So, if you're interested in any of the goods, please come to the venue to check them out.

As for new merchandise, it's more about whether there's demand. This area is quite delicate; it would depend on projected revenue. However, if it's possible, we would like to create new items.

4Gamer:
It might be early to ask, but are you already considering future events?

Fujito:
I do want to host more events, but first, we'll need to see how this Treasure Exhibition goes. If it's a great success, there might be a second edition, or we might consider holding it in other regions as well.

4Gamer:
Will the merchandise available at the Treasure Exhibition be sold online?

Fujito:
We are considering this matter, so please wait for future announcements.

4Gamer:
Regarding the real-world event, how has the reaction been from fans?

Fujito:
There are many voices requesting, "We want it to be held all over the country!" It's quite challenging for people from distant areas to come all the way to Tokyo. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, there have been inquiries about whether there will be online sales.

4Gamer:
The Treasure Exhibition is scheduled after the Obon holiday. Was it deliberately planned for a less crowded period?

Fujito:
We didn't specifically consider the Obon holiday, but it happened to be a period when many people can take time off, so it coincidentally lined up well with this location and time.

Moreover, the decision to hold the event was influenced by the relaxation of COVID-related restrictions. Until recently, the starting point for organizing any event was centered around how to implement infection prevention measures, and conducting events themselves was quite challenging.

4Gamer:
Through our conversation about collaboration projects and the Treasure Exhibition, it's clear that the presence of individuals with "passion" played a significant role. It made me realize that "FF11" is indeed supported by many individuals.

Fujito:
That's right. When I was creating the "Final Fantasy XI Memorial Site WE ARE VANA'DIEL," I strongly felt that aspect of the "people." I wasn't present during the actual discussions; I was in a role to review the content. But the enthusiasm everyone had for "FF11" was quite evident.

4Gamer:
We've heard that the conversations were so extensive that not everything could be included.

Fujito:
For instance, Mr. Koichi Ise from Sakura Internet had a discussion that extended to Part 4, but we had to cut quite a bit (laughs). It's regrettable, but it was necessary due to editing constraints. Listening to everyone's stories, I came to think that "FFXI," as a game, has acted as a catalyst for connecting people, and it has sparked something significant.

4Gamer:
As a player myself, I felt that this game offers more than just a gaming experience; it allows us to perceive and gain something deeper.

Fujito:
One of the reasons behind launching "WE ARE VANA'DIEL" was to leave a testament that "FFXI" has come this far precisely because of the multitude of people who existed within it. Therefore, it's not just a "20th-anniversary site" but a "memorial site." I hope to continue updating it and keeping it lively if there are opportunities in the future.

Gamer:
So, "FF11" also serves as an archive of sorts. In the future, are you considering preserving the development materials exhibited in the Treasure Exhibition?

Fujito:
One of the goals I've set for myself as a producer is to "archive 'FFXI' in some form or another." Ideally, this could take the shape of an "offline 'FFXI'," but realistically, that's quite challenging. Therefore, I'm primarily focused on preserving the story, music, artwork, and such.

4Gamer:
We're looking forward to it! As an adventurer, there's a desire to have proof of the world I've lived in and experienced.

Fujito:
"FFXI" began its service around the time when the concept of the "internet" was starting to spread. In a sense, it's one of those things that drifts on the electronic sea, not leaving a physical trace.

Modern app games are like this too—once the service ends, everything essentially disappears. There's a common occurrence where you say, "The music was so good, but I can't listen to it anymore since the service ended." I believe "FFXI" is likely one of those things with that kind of fate.

4Gamer:
It's the fate of online games as well.

Fujito:
When the service ends, it can lead to questioning what all that passion and effort was for. In the case of physical retro games, there's a chance they can experience a revival and become a topic of discussion once again. But for games that can never be played again, they simply fade into obscurity.

4Gamer:
That's true...

Fujito:
I strongly believe that we need to leave behind "something" to continue passing on the legacy of "FF11," in whatever form it may take.

**4Gamer:**
Ideally, it would be great if there were tangible things that remain, like books. Even though an offline version might be given up on (laughs).

**Fujito:**
Regardless of whether it's possible or not, if we were to convert the current "FFXI" into an offline version, players would likely find it quite unsatisfying as a game. While it might evoke nostalgia, the feeling would be there...

**4Gamer:**
Given that the game is over 20 years old, is this due to outdated mechanics?

**Fujito:**
The design is fundamentally built around multiplayer gameplay. Elements necessary for offline play have been significantly reduced, and because it's built around online interactions, the living system and gameplay mechanics revolve around that. While there's a desire for it from "FF11" players, making it faithfully would cater to only a small portion of that audience. But, if you change it to appeal to newcomers by modernizing it, it would cease to be "FFXI."

**4Gamer:**
Modern RPGs often have a quest tracker that shows progress on the screen, and you can click on it to fast-travel to a location. It's a different flow. If you make it contemporary, the nervous excitement of walking through fields not knowing what to expect would disappear.

**Fujito:**
"FFXI" has changed quite a bit through updates, but the fundamental progression of adventure remains the same as before. When you step into a new field, dangerous monsters might inhabit it. So, players need to "investigate" and if they encounter enemies they can't handle, like super tough foes, they should avoid them and proceed... This kind of gameplay was essential, and altering it means we can't convey what the game used to be.

**4Gamer:**
When creating something new, you'd want new players to enjoy it, but losing the essence of "FF11" would be a problem. This is indeed a challenging issue.

**Fujito:**
I may sound presumptuous, but I believe that "FFXI" laid the foundation, and it was through that groundwork that current games improved on areas that were inconvenient. So, if we were to develop with the same system, people would probably ask, "Why make it intentionally inconvenient?" Trying to update the UI, for example, while keeping the multiplayer-based design of the game system, and striving to find a satisfying compromise, is quite difficult.

[Ultimoore]

4Gamer:
How about preserving the world and the story?

Fujito:
We're progressing from where we can. For the story, if we were to record every dialogue, including who said what, there might be a method to record all the cutscenes and such in videos. However, due to the enormous amount of content, it would be both labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive, making it unrealistic.

4Gamer:
There might also be a demand to see scenes that include graphics, not just text, especially for events.

Fujito:
There are challenges with preserving methods, but the priority is to create something that revives memories of the time as much as possible. It should be understandable even for those unfamiliar with "FFXI," creating a sense of satisfaction.

4Gamer:
It's a quite challenging path.

Fujito:
In the first place, as long as the operation continues, even without an offline version, players can always connect and play. Event scenes that people want to see can be replayed, so it's like the archive exists within the game. The idea of "continuing the service" leads to the ability to experience it anytime, so I think it's important to keep "FFXI" original and continue operating it.

When it becomes a situation where it's truly impossible to continue, I want to use the term "archive" to ensure that things aren't forgotten and leave behind various things.

4Gamer:
Even for those who have stopped playing, they can still enjoy the story and music if they start playing again.

Fujito:
While it's not directly related to the archive, because many scenarios have been added through expansion discs, if you play anew, these scenarios progress simultaneously. There's confusion about which event follows which story, so from the July 2023 update, we've made it possible to halt the progression of added scenarios.

Although this change only benefits new starters, I believe it's become easier to follow the story.

4Gamer:
For players who have been playing for a long time, it didn't bother them that they progressed through additional scenarios after finishing the initial story.

For the last question, if there are any topics you can share with players right now, please let us know.

Fujito:
I hope to create a space where players can gather as a community outside the game. The specifics of what we'll do are still in the works, but I'd like to explore such proposals as positively as possible.

In terms of the game itself, we're strengthening the foundation for playing in the world of Vana'diel with server replacements and future updates. In the recent "Freshly Picked Vana'diel," we used terms like "feeling of home" and "a place to return to." We will continue to maintain this home, so even if you've taken a break from playing, please consider "coming back" to it. We're creating a place where you can come back anytime with confidence.

4Gamer:
Thank you very much for today.

[Trodorne]

I think a full upgrade to a new engine would make a world of difference when it comes to updates and developments for the future. even then we wouldn't need the play online anymore and just go straight to the game via Steam or even have it launch on the Square launcher that they use for 14. trying to update old hardware is not beneficial for the workers there at all. I am on board with building this game anew on a brand-new engine. if they keep the same features starting from scratch my character would not be an issue at all. I wish the development team all the best. I hope they can get this resolved in such a way that won't have corporate breathing down their neck. this game deserves to be preserved for future generations. it's not fancy or flashy like 14 is, but it is something special for what it tried to do despite its limitations. I think it can only be nothing but up when you can take something like this and make it better.

[Immortal]

They are really stingy with those funds, don't even want to invest into something that made them so much money. One of the highest grossing FF games and its treated like literal dirt in comparison to their other projects. Unreal the amount of money they charge monthly and for addons and they are completely unwilling to do anything for the game. He talks about preserving it but people want it to be expanded upon, thats why you keep losing subs... If you invested the bare minimum to do new content and have actual new assets created, you would see more longevity in the life of this game. Instead they are literally letting it wither away and talking about the eventual day that happens. Of course its going to happen, you are literally willing it into existence lol.

[Gwydion]

They are really stingy with those funds, don't even want to invest into something that made them so much money. One of the highest grossing FF games and its treated like literal dirt in comparison to their other projects. Unreal the amount of money they charge monthly and for addons and they are completely unwilling to do anything for the game. He talks about preserving it but people want it to be expanded upon, thats why you keep losing subs... If you invested the bare minimum to do new content and have actual new assets created, you would see more longevity in the life of this game. Instead they are literally letting it wither away and talking about the eventual day that happens. Of course its going to happen, you are literally willing it into existence lol.

This is extremely accurate. Players want more of an investment from SE in FFXI, because players have already invested so much of our lives into this game.

[Ultimoore]

This is why I still have alot of respect for the dev team. Corporate has been trying to penny pinch this game for 10+ years and actively trying to shut it down. The fact that we have dedicated ourselves to a dying development system makes me hate the top brass of the company even more.

[RichLester]

If you want a fully upgraded version of FF11, jump over to FFXIV. Its basically the same with a lot more content, better graphics/gameplay & still getting expansions. FF11 is more for the veterans of the community. As Fujito says, FF11 is based on old architecture, which is now outdated. I thought if they wanted to make it "offline", they can have mini server files running on our PCs, acting like basic small virtual servers (requiring some GBs), so long as they make the game completely solo-able. If we want to play with others, our mini server files sync up to one version so they all act like they are in the same environment. The Auction House data is all that needs to be downloaded & linked to one live global AH server. If they're going to replace the servers, they better do it soon before more hardware failures start occurring.

[Immortal]

lol you must be joking, how is 14 an "upgraded" 11? They play completely differently and don't have much in common aside from the many assets 14 uses of 11.

[Ultimoore]

If you want a fully upgraded version of FF11, jump over to FFXIV. Its basically the same with a lot more content, better graphics/gameplay & still getting expansions.

You must be a troll, you have to be a troll. Because there is no way you just said something so fundamentally wrong and were that serious.. FFXI is way more sandbox than XIV in terms of the job combinations , story telling, exploration and crafting. You are not shoe horned into a role in XI like you are in XIV (MMO for idiots). While yes, there are recommended job combinations that are most optimal. You are able to experiment in XI and NOT XIV.