Yu Miyake, the influential force behind many Dragon Quest titles since he began at Enix in 1989, has decided to transition from his role as the series' prominent producer to oversee Square Enix’s development of mobile games. This shift is part of broader changes under the company's new president, Takashi Kiryu, who is determined to uplift the sales performance of both major titles and mobile games. Bloomberg, drawing insights from sources close to the matter, indicates Kiryu's strategy focuses on enhancing in-house triple-A game production while reducing dependency on external collaborations.
This year has seen a mix of sorrow and celebration within the JRPG community. The loss of Akira Toriyama, the brilliant artist known for his work on Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger, marked a profound moment for fans and creators alike. Following closely, the JRPG world mourned the passing of Yoshitaka Murayama, the creative mind behind the Suikoden series and Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, whose legacy continues to impact the genre positively.
Despite these losses, the year has also been noteworthy for the release of outstanding titles in the JRPG genre, including LAD: Infinite Wealth, FF7: Rebirth, and potentially Dragon's Dogma 2. The early months have been rich with high-quality releases, demonstrating the enduring relevance and appeal of JRPGs. Upcoming remakes of Suikoden 1 & 2, amidst anticipation and hope, promise to further celebrate the genre's vibrant legacy.
The transitions and events of the year illustrate the dynamic nature of the JRPG industry – a space of both remembrance and innovation, where the past's giants inspire the future's successes.