Within the modern JRPG genre, there are few studios as widely acclaimed as Square Enix. TheFinal FantasyandKingdom Heartsdeveloper has established itself throughout the years as one of the biggest studios in the gaming industry with a massive and passionate fanbase. Many of Square Enix’s most well-known talents have become household names in the world of gaming likeFinal Fantasycharacter designer Tetsuya Nomura andFinal Fantasy 14producer Naoki Yoshida. Now,theKingdom Heartsfranchisewill see one of its original creators saying goodbye to the studio that made him famous.Shinji Hashimoto has been with Square Enix for nearly three decades since he first joined the JRPG developer in 1995 when the iconic studio was still named Squaresoft. Hashimoto served as the brand manager for theFinal Fantasyfranchise during an era that saw some of the long-running series' most widely acclaimed games likeFinal Fantasy 7andFinal Fantasy 10-2.Hashimoto is also credited as one of the co-creators of theKingdom Heartsfranchise, serving as producer or executive producer on everyKingdom Heartsgame to date. Now, Hashimoto has officially announced today will be his last day with the legendary developer.RELATED:New Kingdom Hearts 4 Story and Gameplay Details RevealedShinji Hashimoto officially announced his retirement from Square Enix to the world through his Twitter account Tuesday morning, marking the end of a 27-year-long tenure with the studio. Hashimoto will leave behind a legacy at Square Enix that has seen him serve not only as a figurehead for theKingdom HeartsandFinal Fantasyfranchises, but also as executive producer onThe World Ends With Youand its sequel.
The producer’s official retirement announcement has already seen an outpouring of support from both members of the gaming public and from within the gaming industry. Replies to Hashimoto’s tweet feature many of the gaming industry’s most iconic names withSuper Smash Bros.director Masahiro SakuraiandNierfranchise director Yoko Taro wishing Hashimoto well. Hashimoto’s last role as executive producer with Square Enix came last year with the previously mentionedNeo: The World Ends With Youbefore transitioning to a corporate advisor role with Square Enix Holdings.
Hashimoto will leave Square Enix at a time that sees both of the main franchises the producer worked on preparing to enter into their next chapter.Square Enix officially announcedKingdom Hearts 4early last month with a stylish cinematic trailer teasing the game’s story and new gameplay elements. TheFinal Fantasyfranchise is also gearing up for its newest entry with fans eagerly awaiting more news from Square Enix about the previously announcedFinal Fantasy 16. Shinji Hashimoto will leave Square Enix as one of the most impactful members of the developer’s storied history.
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