Naoki Yoshida, the producer, director, and designer behind Final Fantasy XVI, spoke candidly during an interview at the Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles. The conversation quickly turned to one of the hottest topics in the series: the viability of turn-based combat in future Final Fantasy games. Fans of the series, especially those who love the older titles, have often wondered if the return of turn-based mechanics is possible in future installments. 
Yoshida, known for his role in both Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI, weighed in on the issue with his trademark openness.
Yoshida had famously remarked that as the graphics of games become more realistic, it becomes harder for players to accept the sometimes slow and methodical nature of turn-based combat without it feeling disjointed from the game’s visuals. This was one of the driving factors behind the action-heavy battle system in Final Fantasy XVI, a choice that sparked backlash among long-time fans who craved the depth and strategy offered by turn-based mechanics.
However, after the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which blends turn-based mechanics with real-time action, Yoshida’s thoughts on the matter seem to have evolved. While he didn’t fully embrace a return to turn-based combat, he acknowledged that it’s still a possibility for future titles. The key issue, Yoshida explains, is that the battle system can’t be looked at in isolation. It needs to align with the larger vision for the game, including the graphical quality and narrative goals. This means that while turn-based combat isn’t off the table, it will ultimately depend on the direction future Final Fantasy games choose to take.
On a related note, Yoshida was asked about the lessons he learned while overseeing the development of Final Fantasy XVI. He shared that the experience gave him valuable insights into producing a high-end game. The challenge, he explained, is how to create such games swiftly while maintaining high quality. Yoshida emphasized that he’s eager to apply these lessons to future projects, aiming to shorten development cycles without compromising on quality.
Looking ahead, Yoshida revealed that he and his team already have plans in place up to version 10.0 of Final Fantasy XIV, which currently sits at version 7.0 with the Dawntrail expansion. As for the future, Yoshida expressed his desire to eventually create a new online game based on an entirely original intellectual property. Despite his busy career, he doesn’t feel close to retirement at 52, signaling that his passion for game development remains as strong as ever.