Final Fantasy creator to make games for Xbox Next @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on February 25, 2005

News: Hironobu Sakaguchi agrees to make two RPGs for the Xbox Next.

Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Final Fantasy and a 2000 inductee of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Hall of Fame, has signed a deal with Microsoft to create two RPGs for the next-generation Xbox.

Sakaguchi and his Mistwalker development studio will be behind the production of both games. Mistwalker was formed in 2004 and Sakaguchi has previously confirmed they are working on a DS RPG. But today he was thrilled to express his interest in working with the Xbox Next technology:

"I'm excited about the two epic game titles we will be developing," Sakaguchi said. "A number of talented creators have signed on to help develop these games, and I'm confident we will be able to create games that provide gamers with a new kind of thrill.

"Microsoft's cutting-edge technologies in the next-generation platform will allow me to bring to life an array of ideas that I have had for many years," Sakaguchi said. "I want these games to be alive with a new vision for gaming and vividly depict new characters that will transcend the game, find a place in the hearts of gamers, and make time spent with my games a fond and long-lasting memory."

There is no word when either title will be completed, but it is quite the feather in Microsoft's cap to land someone with the RPG pedigree of Hironobu Sakaguchi.