The dedication of 'Final Fantasy' fans may have harmed the franchise, according to Hajime Tabata.
Final Fantasy
The 'Final Fantasy 15' director has lifted the lid on the creative process behind the iconic gaming series, admitting the length of the franchise and the influence of fans could have had a detrimental impact on the game.
Asked if there was a negative reaction to the franchise's re-organisation process in 2012, he said: "Oh yeah, there was."
He continued: "It wasn't only from inside the team, but outside as well.
"The reason was that if my way of doing it ended up working, there are those whose circumstances will worsen."
Hajime acknowledged that fans have a preconceived idea about the look and feel of a 'Final Fantasy' game.
He told 4gamer: "Around that time, I realised that among fans as well, there are people who've caught FF disease."
Hajime added: "Since the root is a strong self-affirmation, one's own view of 'Final Fantasy' takes more priority than the team's success. If that view of 'Final Fantasy' isn't fulfilled, then they're convinced that it's bad for 'Final Fantasy'.
"They think, 'Since 'Final Fantasy' is a special team, then we are also special because we are making it. When the new 'Final Fantasy' comes out, everybody is going to be so into it.' But that's not the reality of the situation, is it?"