Square Enix RPGs Losing Ground with Younger Gamers: Development Cycles Blamed
A growing sentiment within the Japanese gaming community suggests that iconic role-playing franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest are struggling to capture the attention of children and adolescents, with many preferring titles like Pokémon.
The discussion ignited after Japanese mangaka and artist Noriba expressed surprise at discovering the preference for newer titles among young gamers. “I was shocked to learn that many young people in Japan prefer Pokémon over other titles in the genre, and some haven’t even tried Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy,” Noriba reportedly shared on social media, sparking widespread debate.
For decades, Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy have been cornerstones of the Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) genre, establishing many of the conventions that define it. Despite their enduring legacy and continued relevance within the industry, a shift in preference appears to be underway. But what’s driving this change? While no definitive answer exists, a prevailing theory centers on the increasingly lengthy development cycles of new installments.
The Impact of Extended Development Times
The core argument posits that the extended wait between mainline releases in the Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy series is alienating younger audiences. The most recent mainline Dragon Quest title arrived in 2017, five years after its predecessor. Similarly, the latest Final Fantasy installment launched in 2023, approximately seven years following the previous entry.
While Square Enix supplements these gaps with remasters and remakes – such as Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – many players are reportedly seeking entirely original experiences. This preference for novelty, coupled with protracted wait times, appears to be hindering the ability of these franchises to maintain a consistent connection with younger generations.
A Generational Disconnect
The extended development cycles create a significant disconnect between game releases and the formative years of potential fans. As one observer noted, a child who enjoyed a Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy game during their early childhood may have already progressed through primary and secondary school by the time the next mainline title arrives.
This contrasts sharply with franchises like Pokémon, which has consistently released new titles nearly every year since 1996. While the quality of Pokémon releases can vary, the consistent cadence allows the franchise to remain a constant presence in the lives of children and teenagers. .
Navigating Complex Numbering Systems
Another potential barrier to entry for new players lies in the numerical naming conventions of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. The series’ numbering can be confusing, leading some newcomers to believe that playing previous installments is a prerequisite for understanding the latest release. This perceived requirement could deter casual players from engaging with the franchises.
It’s important to note that this remains a theory, lacking formal academic study or analysis. Alternative explanations suggest that younger generations are increasingly drawn to multiplayer titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and Apex Legends, prioritizing social interaction and competitive gameplay over the traditionally solitary experience of JRPGs.
Ultimately, the evolving preferences of young gamers present a challenge for Square Enix. Adapting to a faster release cadence, or finding innovative ways to engage younger audiences during extended development periods, may be crucial to ensuring the continued relevance of these iconic RPG franchises.
