FFXVI Producer Says He Doesn't Like the Term "JRPG"

Square Enix's Naoki Yoshida, the producer of several Final Fantasy installments, including the upcoming Final Fantasy XVI, has recently shared that he doesn't like the term "JRPG" saying that it sounds "discriminatory" to him.

In an interview with Skill Up, the producer explained that when the term "JRPG" first appeared about 15 years ago, it was meant to describe a specific type of RPG released in Japan. He noted that the term was created by Western media and mentioned that Japanese developers never use it when they are creating a role-playing game.

"First time we heard it, it was like a discriminatory term as though we were being made fun of for creating these games and so for some developers, the term 'JRPG' can be something that will maybe trigger bad feelings because of what was in the past," Yoshida said. "It wasn't a compliment to a lot of developers in Japan."

The producer admitted that the term "JRPG" is being used more positively these days, but he still can't shake off the past feelings.

Yoshida further spoke about the reputation of the Final Fantasy franchise and how it may have been a turn-off for some potential players due to its image of a JRPG with turn-based gameplay, anime-like visuals, and the common theme of teenagers saving the world.

Because of this as well as the fact that Square Enix wished to attract a new generation of gamers who, according to Yoshida, "are raised on first-person shooters and games like Grand Theft Auto where input is always direct", the developers have decided to change and evolve the series from what people expected. Therefore, the producer believes that FFXVI is not a JRPG.

You can watch the full interview with Naoki Yoshida here. Also, don't forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform, our Reddit page, and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.