Final Fantasy producer Naoki Yoshida thinks revolutionary leaps in the video game industry are on the horizon.
Speaking to Insider, Yoshida said the next decade could see revolutionary gaming experiences due to the development of new devices, citing virtual reality chips as an example. In fact, Yoshida expected things to move a bit quicker than they have, but said the semiconductor shortage is likely to blame.
“This would dramatically increase server performance and elements that could be simulated,” Yoshida said. “That could lead to the creation of a living world that resembles reality, or even new ideas that create an actual online world. There is the possibility that game development styles will drastically change and culminate in a major turning point not only for video games but everyday life itself.”
If the chip shortage is truly holding the industry back from advancement, we may not be out of the woods just yet. as Intel’s CEO expects the chip shortage and other supply chain issues to last until at least 2024. So it may be a few years until we see if Yoshida’s prediction for a bold new future comes true.
Yoshida is best known for his work as producer on Final Fantasy XIV, the MMORPG that’s recieved several critically-acclaimed expansions over the last decade. Final Fantasy XIV fans will also be happy to hear that Yoshida would like to tackle another MMO at some point in his career.
“I am a game designer, so I always have several ideas for games. I can’t talk about them here, but I think that goes for any game designer.” Yoshida said. “I am the kind of person who’s happy as long as they can make games, so while there isn’t anything in particular, I occasionally think that I would like to make one more MMORPG title, from scratch, before I die.”
Elsewhere in the same interview, Yoshida shared his thougts on why the Final Fantasy series is struggling right now.
Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.