Q&A with Shinji Hashimoto from Thailand Comicon 2014

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BoN

Yevonite
Sep 26, 2013
50
52
37
Thailand
re-ffplanet.blogspot.com
#1
Shinji Hashimoto visited Thailand Comicon Event @Siam Paragon, Bangkok in 10 May 2014. He showed the old FF 25th Anniversary clip and old FFXV trailer from E3. After that he talked about FF History, his work, Q&A, etc.

My group've chance to sat in the front row, recorded sound clip and video. (You can see at below.) I wrote some interesting information and Q&A in Thai. Thanks my friend (ultimaweapon) for translated Q&A to English.

FF 25th Anniversary Clip and old FFXV trailer

Mr. Shinji talked about his work. This clip start when he talk "it has been 8 years" (FFXV)



---------------------------------

When Hashimoto started talking about FFXV, everyone in the hall clapped their hand and cheered. He smiled and said...

"Please wait a little.... little longer"
"Every year we have this kind of questions."
"When will it be released?"
"Until now it has been 8 years after its first trailer was shown in 2006."
"First we planned to make it for PS3, though we changed to PS4 because it has been 8 years already."
"By the way is PS4 available in Thailand?"


FF Fans: (laughing)
**PS4's sold in Thailand since November 2013**

"It takes a lot of time for JRPG until it is ready for sale.
"From now on there will be events about FFXV coming. Please wait for them."




---------------------------------

[Q&A with FF Fans]

**I'm the one who ask Question 1


Q1 : In E3 that will be arranged in this June, is there any new information about FFXV or KHIII?

A : We would like to keep it secret. It just only a few months from now. I'm pretty sure you will be surprised.*
Actually it is not only in June, there will be many events from now on such as San Diego Comicon, Tokyo Game Show, and others.
We might tell you what is our plans, but it's better you see by yourself at Tokyo. (laugh)

*He really said "surprised"

Q2 : There are lots of people turn from console game to mobile game. How do you think about this matter?

A : Our company has developed a lot of mobile games. And the development team is quite big.
Our mobile games will become popular. For console game such as FFXV is also nicely done.

This clip start from Question 3

Q3 : Could console game market grow up much bigger?

A : We think it's could grow up. If our games are released, please support them.
If not, you know what will happen to that game.

Q4 : About KHIII, could you tell more about characters, systems, story?

A : We are sorry. They are secret. Please wait. The game will come out fantastic.
Well, is Kingdom Hearts popular in Thailand?

FF Fans: Yes it is!!

A : Then please kindly wait a while. We are preparing those information.

Q5 : What is the reason Sony has sold all SQEX stocks out from possession?
**Reference : http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-16-sony-sells-all-its-square-enix-shares-for-28m

A : We don't think this became a big news. (laugh)
Back in 2001, Square had financial problem and Sony had bought our stocks.
Now the situation is contrary.
From that time we have good support from customers for our products, so SQEX is back on its legs, but Sony has declined.
The President of both companies had negotiation and resulted as everyone knew.
We did not have argument. Since once Sony helped us, so it was the time we help Sony back.
Sale of PS4 is no problem and it is still available.

(Mr. Hashimoto wanted to convey that SQEX did not have financial problem.
But Sony needed to have better cash flow from SQEX selling stocks.)

Q6 : As a game developer, have you ever think a game by your development is not interesting? and how to solve that problem?

A : Duty of developers is to create games those satisfy players.
If a game in developemnt seems to be not interesting, we will terminate the project.

Q7 : In your opinion, have you ever think about making new Chocobo series?
We saw Chocobo Racing 3DS was cancelled, could it be reconsidered?


A : When we checked the quality of the game, we did not satisfy. (so it was cancelled.)
If we would develop it for console, we think it should be a game for adults.(The target of Chocobo series is children.)
Anyway thank you for your comments. We will consider about this game.

Q8 : (In Japanese) I think you heard this question wherever you go.
We understand that remaking of FFVII is hard work.
But we would like to ask this question again.
Since FFVII will has its 20th year anniversary in next 3 years, will FFVII be remade soon?
And will there be any more compilation of FFVII?


A : Your Japanese is very amazing!! FFVII is special for me.
I always heard this kind of questions and I feel like I am Hashimoto XV, Hashimoto Kingdom Hearts III, Hashimoto Chocobo Series.
These are lots of hard works. (laugh)
We know that everyone want us to remake FFVII. From now on we have to realize the old FF series.
But now we've to released FFXV first. It's been 8 years, so we've to released it first.

Q9 : Will there be FFX-3 or Dissidia for PS Vita?

A : We have Dissidia for PSP. You want us to port it for PS Vita?

FF Fans : We are asking for new episode!!!

A : You want a new one!!? for PS Vita? Oh. I'll inform to the development team.
If you have anything you want to tell them, you can tell me.
You also can apply for jobs at SQEX. There is possibility for everyone but it might not be much as we have people from around the world looking to work with us. Our company also requires high qualification for new staff. But if anyone is interested, you may apply via our Homepage.

**He forgot to answer about FFX-3**!!

Q10 : If someone say that FF is losing its fame, how do you think?

A : If the game did not satisfy players, the team would reconsider how to improve characters or other aspects to meet players' expectation.

**That's quite short answer

Q11 : I want FF Type-0 in English version, is it possible to make FF Type-0 as a CGI movie.

A : If FF fans in Thailand play English version, that would be.... no problem?**
About CGI, I will inform to the development team, which now this team is developing a new project that I cannot reveal any detail. (FFXV and FF Agito)
This request about CGI movie is new. I'll try to inform our staff every messages from Thai Fans.

**I think he may not know the detail of this project

---------------------------------

[Q&A with Press]

Q1 : How do you think about the future of JRPG industry?

A : JRPG has unique characteristics. We think no one can imitate. Therefore JRPG can keep moving forward.

Q2 : Has it any chance FF will come back to old-school RPG as FFIX did?

A : It depends on the decision of the director. Each director has his own idea of "fantasy".
FF will be back to old style or not depends on the director of that project.

Q3 : After you came to Thailand, do you get new ideas for developing games, or want to join next events in Thailand?

A : Yesterday we also had business matching here, and we had discussion with many Thai animation companies.
We think Thai companies are capable and we will see which points we could cooperate together.
About events, we have to check our schedule.
If we are available, we will come.

Q4 : Which game do you think the development is the hardest in FF Series?

A : This question is quite hard to answer. Each FF has different directors.
We have to assign the director to match the concept of each game.

Q5 : Which FF is your favourite? and why?

A : It must be FFVII that everyone keeps asking me.
Because it is the first FF in 3D, based on sci-fi world, and the story between Cloud and Sephiroth.
I was impressed. And there was a lot of secrets in Advent Children which made me love it.

Q6 : Where do you want to go for vacation in Thailand?

A : I want to see the big temple that located near the river.
I heard that the temple is very beautiful, but I've never been there.
This is my chance. (It could be Wat Arun)
After arriving, I have been only this place and hotel. I had a chance to see protesters. Those are all.
In addition, Fried Curry Crab is very delicious.

**Someone asked again "Is that your favourite Thai food?" He simply replied Oishii Oishi (delicious)

Q7 : Is there any chance for FF Symphony Orchestra Concert which normally held in Japan to be arranged in other countries?

A : We have discussed with Mr. Nobuo and we have already arranged in many countries.
If Thai Fans request for it, we will inform him.
You can request to some companies in Thailand and they could contact us for the concert.
It is not hard. If the concert has its popularity in that place, we can arrange.

---------------------------------

After that, our group have a chance to take photo and get his autograph. Then my friend helped me asked the last question.

[My personal question]

Q1 : Will it be a new game from Subarashiki Kono Sekai Series? (The World Ends with You)

A : Do you love this game? (surprised)
I will check our staff about the possibility of the new one.





---------------------------------

More pictures from my camera : https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.686014011456723.1073741859.147549281969868&type=1
 
Last edited:
May 13, 2014
1
1
#8
As Exentryk kindly pointed out, there are extended bits in the E3 game play trailer. That portion begins from 19:28 in the first video. He also mentions that, unless you've watched the trailer enough times, you won't notice the additions.
 
Last edited:
Likes: BoN

BoN

Yevonite
Sep 26, 2013
50
52
37
Thailand
re-ffplanet.blogspot.com
#10
Although Hashimoto-san said "We would like to keep it secret ", Since he said that I will be surprised, then he said about most game events.

I think he implied that there would be FFXV or KHIII updates in those events.

-----

Edit

- Aibo-san from FF-Reunion has seen thses clips and wrote the conversation in japanese. There would be better english translation soon.

- About JRPG that Hashimoto-san said. It's mean that JRPG has their own unique, western game developer may not made rpg like jrpg.
 
Last edited:
Sep 26, 2013
1,612
626
#14
I love how most gaming sites are now saying FFXV and KH3 are "confirmed" for E3 because of this when Hashimoto specifically said it's a secret and they might not show up.
It also has a lot of people excited too. If it doesn't show up, hopefully they understand that they have no one but themselves to blame.

To me, it reads as if not E3, then definitely TGS and maybe other upcoming future events. Right now, it sounds like Square Enix's E3 showing will be western focused. As for the eastern side of things, nobody seems to have heard anything yet.
 
Likes: BoN

Starlord

AVALANCHE Warrior
May 14, 2014
289
114
36
Springfield, Massachusetts
#15
I love how most gaming sites are now saying FFXV and KH3 are "confirmed" for E3 because of this when Hashimoto specifically said it's a secret and they might not show up.
"Actually, not just in June" which is saying to me, It will be coming in June ( E3) + Other event's like San Diego, TGS etc. Even though they didn't say " We're coming to E3". They basically told us they are ( just not directly)
 

Crystal Power

Keyblade Master
Nov 29, 2013
712
243
United States
#16
Not to sound rude but anyone who is highly expecting Final fantasy XV at E3 2014 shouldn't get upset if it doesn't show. Now I'm not saying it won't but there's no guarantee that it will. So people are basically taking Hashimoto's words and twisting them.

I'm feeling optimistic that it will be there but if it don't I won't rage, I already know what to expect from this game now...
 

Starlord

AVALANCHE Warrior
May 14, 2014
289
114
36
Springfield, Massachusetts
#17
So people are basically taking Hashimoto's words and twisting them.
I won't be upset either if they aren't there. However, his words are pretty clear. Yes he is not telling us directly, but the way he says it "We would like" to keep it a secret followed by, "You'll be surprised". In the context of the conversation ( talking about E3) saying those 2 phrases together is kinda of a contradiction. We want to keep it a secret, yet tell us we will be surprised is not really keeping it a secret. If he just said "We would like to keep it a secret" ( like he said with KH3) then I wouldn't be able to pick up on any hints of them showing FFXV. However, adding " You'll be surprised" is not different than last year when he said "please be excited". I will be surprised at E3? ( the first sentence answering the E3 portion of the question). Then show FFXV! ( though I won't be surprised because I am kinda expecting it, I'll be surprised if it doesn't show up) lol.
 

Crystal Power

Keyblade Master
Nov 29, 2013
712
243
United States
#19
I won't be upset either if they aren't there. However, his words are pretty clear. Yes he is not telling us directly, but the way he says it "We would like" to keep it a secret followed by, "You'll be surprised". In the context of the conversation ( talking about E3) saying those 2 phrases together is kinda of a contradiction. We want to keep it a secret, yet tell us we will be surprised is not really keeping it a secret. If he just said "We would like to keep it a secret" ( like he said with KH3) then I wouldn't be able to pick up on any hints of them showing FFXV. However, adding " You'll be surprised" is not different than last year when he said "please be excited". I will be surprised at E3? ( the first sentence answering the E3 portion of the question). Then show FFXV! ( though I won't be surprised because I am kinda expecting it, I'll be surprised if it doesn't show up) lol.
Well, as long you're prepared for it not showing up and don't start a rage. Then sure, why not? Like I said. I'm optimistic it will be shown at E3 2014. I just know it's no guarantee. ;)