Within the modern JRPG genre, there are few studios as widely acclaimed as Square Enix. The Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts developer has established itself throughout the years as one of the biggest studios in the gaming industry with a massive and passionate fanbase. Many of Square Enix's most well-known talents have become household names in the world of gaming like Final Fantasy character designer Tetsuya Nomura and Final Fantasy 14 producer Naoki Yoshida. Now, the Kingdom Hearts franchise will see one of its original creators saying goodbye to the studio that made him famous.Shinji Hashimoto has been with Square Enix for nearly three decades since he first joined the JRPG developer in 1995 when the iconic studio was still named Squaresoft. Hashimoto served as the brand manager for the Final Fantasy franchise during an era that saw some of the long-running series' most widely acclaimed games like Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 10-2. Hashimoto is also credited as one of the co-creators of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, serving as producer or executive producer on every Kingdom Hearts game to date. Now, Hashimoto has officially announced today will be his last day with the legendary developer. Shinji Hashimoto officially announced his retirement from Square Enix to the world through his Twitter account Tuesday morning, marking the end of a 27-year-long tenure with the studio. Hashimoto will leave behind a legacy at Square Enix that has seen him serve not only as a figurehead for the Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy franchises, but also as executive producer on The World Ends With You and its sequel.
The producer's official retirement announcement has already seen an outpouring of support from both members of the gaming public and from within the gaming industry. Replies to Hashimoto's tweet feature many of the gaming industry's most iconic names with Super Smash Bros. Director Masahiro Sakurai and Nier franchise director Yoko Taro wishing Hashimoto well. Hashimoto's last role as executive producer with Square Enix came last year with the previously mentioned Neo: The World Ends With You before transitioning to a corporate advisor role with Square Enix Holdings.
Hashimoto will leave Square Enix at a time that sees both of the main franchises the producer worked on preparing to enter into their next chapter. Square Enix officially announced Kingdom Hearts 4 early last month with a stylish cinematic trailer teasing the game's story and new gameplay elements. The Final Fantasy franchise is also gearing up for its newest entry with fans eagerly awaiting more news from Square Enix about the previously announced Final Fantasy 16. Shinji Hashimoto will leave Square Enix as one of the most impactful members of the developer's storied history.