Ivalice, History, and Morality. The World of Matsuo

[Wolf Kanno]

With FFXII we got to see another part of Ivalice at a different point in history. I hope they continue this like the Suikoden series: the gradual exploration of a single world in different places and at different times. It has tremendous potential.

I think Square has been focusing too much of its creative energy in rehashing worlds that have been already established, like the Planet and Spira. Of course I don't entirely blame them: it's easier to work with worlds and characters that have already been established. But by shifting to different places within a single world leaves room to explore new horizons while still referencing previous installments and characters.

For example, we know next to nothing of Ordallia and Romanda, the neighboring countries in FFT. What's their history and stories? And what of Ajora and the original Zodiac Braves? There's a whole host of unanswered questions about them. And we only got to meet half the Lucavi in FFT.

Anyways, FFT is my favorite RPG and it cheers me to see them continue the stories in this world. As long as it is well done.

I completely agree that this may be the best choice for the Ivalice universe to take. The world has already shown a wonderful wealth of potential and unlike most FF worlds, it seemed liked it was desinged around the concept of expansion rather than self containment. I would truly love to learn more about the Occurians, the fall of the moogles, and the general political spectrum of the nations in relation to each other.

Well, in truth there are two things to affect the outcome
1) Corporate Enthusiasm
2) Developer Enthusiasm

As we see, #1 is an absolute requisite for getting the game done. #2 is a requisite for getting the game done well, for if #1 is large enough a game will be made regardless. #1 simply comes down to one thing, money. The question is weather the Ivalice brand becomes popular enough to boost sales of its own accord, independent of the Final Fantasy or S-E label on the box. This will likely depend on how well the Ivalice Alliance is received. However, it is important to note that this is not necessarily tied to the success or popularity of the individual games, from a corporate standpoint if people do not identify strongly with the Ivalice 'brand' there is no incentive to develop Ivalice titles over any other lore created world. This brings us to #2.

If the developers wish to continue working of the Ivalice brand. Since I know extremely little of the people who design and produce these games I can't say if they a) work on whatever game ideas they like, b) work on whatever ideas they think people would like, or c) work on whatever the marketing people think would make the most money. (Naturally everyone was 'very excited to work on the project' when they do an interview after, so that isn't really a good indication). Anyone who actually knows the corporate/creative structure of SE please educate me.

Of the three reasons for developers to develop the games, c) is essentially what I mentioned in the beginning about corporate enthusiasm. That means we just have to consider if developers develop games to please fans, or develop games to please themselves. In my short but cynical life, I've personally experienced that most creative people fall into a), working on whatever interests them. (Sorry if I defame anyone’s heroes working over there, I don't know them all that well, just generalities here.)

With this said using my reasoning it basically comes down to how much the developers like Ivalice. And since it seems they do very much, as indicated with the Ivalice Alliance, I would say we will most likely be seeing Ivalice for quite some time to come.

Sorry if this post wasn't as abstract or lore focused as you intended, I just kind of spilled out my though process on the keyboard in all its unorganized glory.

I've always been given the impression that the team Matsuo built truly loved what they did. The quality of their games show this. The question is whether they will leave Squenix to follow him or stay to continue what he started. It's for these reasons that RW interests me so much.

Good thread, I guess my main question is, what impact does this whole Matsuo conflict with Square bear onto Ivalice. In effect, he IS Ivalice, I would best describe that world as his personal interpretation of Final Fantasy, set into this one world rather than a number of different worlds.

We all know what happened with XII - Matsuo had to "step-down" from development due to "illness" and the scenario writer and FF veteran Hiroyuki Ito assumed directoral positions, and he continued as a supervisor. But what are the exact details behind this?

I read somewhere that this had something to do with Sakaguchi leaving Square. As to exactly what this is referring to, or how that would impact Matsuo's position at the company is beyond me.

What I do know is that I recently read a brief article that concisely stated that Matsuo is very interested in the Nintendo DS and is considering developing a game for it, and that he's looking for publishers. Looking for publishers? It now looks that he's really gone from Square. If that's the case, since Ivalice is a Final Fantasy thing, it really looks like this wonderful concept may die, unless the others who have contributed to it wish to carry it on.

Basically you got Hiroshi Minagawa as the 'successor', who led art direction on FFT and directed, at least the scenario portion, FFXII. Ito, who's played a major rule in almost every FF since IV, contributed to game design for both. Sakimoto on the beats. Yoshida with character design. Although I believe all of them are talented individuals, I think they need their leader to truly recapture the greatness of this world. The Yiazmat hunt was supposed to be a reference to Matsuno, Montblanc talking about how they once had a leader who they did many wonderful things with, but he got killed.

We'll have to see, I'd love to see it continue, but I think Square needs to start rebuilding its bridges. Badly.

I completely agree with you. Matsuo is Ivalice and it's a shame that he seems to have left Square. He was one of the few designers that I loved at SE. Perhaps he'll join up with Mistwalker Studios?

It's a shame that SE seems to be losing so many talents within it's company, now Amano was always freelance and Uematsu left to work on his own career which I can respect. I've even heard that Uematsu said he would actually compose another soundtrack for Square but only if the project intereseted him. Though I can't remember when he said this so I may actually be mistaken.

Sakeguichi seems to have no real ill will towards his former publisher but the likeihood of him returning is pretty much nil. Not unless somemajor shifting in the upper chain happened even then I doubt he would return.

While I'm on it... I would love for Tetsuya Takahashi and his wife to return to Square as well, as they were both very talented writers and designers. That and I want Xenogears to actually be completed

Back on topic... I think the real question is whether SE feels Ivalice should continue. Certainly the quality may diminish but as long as demand is there they would likely continue to produce it whether or not anyone who established the franchise was still there. Still, I would prefer if Matsuo was helming the project.

I do wish for Ivalice to live on but I'm conflicted with Matsuo's departure.