The world of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) is on the cusp of a transformative era. Katsura Hashino, renowned director of celebrated titles like Persona and Metaphor: ReFantazio, has ushered in the concept of JRPG “3.0,” signaling a new direction for the genre.
The Evolution of JRPGs
During his presentation at the Korean G-Star 2025 gaming conference, Hashino elaborated on the evolution of JRPGs, as detailed by various sources. He outlined that the genre’s origin with classics like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy represent JRPG 1.0. The present generation, with its enhanced player-responsive style, is referred to as JRPG 2.0. Looking ahead, JRPG 3.0 promises to deliver games with innovative structures and presentations.
Combat and Creativity in Future Titles
Discussion around the future of JRPGs often circles back to combat systems, particularly whether series like Final Fantasy should revisit their turn-based roots. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 co-director Naoki Hamaguchi has recently shared his thoughts on this, noting the influence of the successful Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Despite the resurgence of interest in traditional turn-based mechanics, Hamaguchi expressed a desire to focus on what players would enjoy most in the gaming experience.
In another perspective, Naoki Yoshida, associated with Final Fantasy 14 and 16, addressed the ongoing debate between turn-based and action-focused gameplay. He emphasized that decisions on game mechanics extend beyond battles, involving the overall game design and the vision creators aim to convey.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is undeniable, having sold five million copies in just five months. Its impressive performance has earned it 12 nominations at The Game Awards, the most in the event’s history. The game is a contender for several prestigious awards, including Best RPG and Game of the Year.
Recent interactions between the development teams of Clair Obscur and Square Enix, involving figures like Hamaguchi and Ryosuke Yoshida, highlight a collaborative exchange of creative ideas, hinting at exciting future developments in the genre.