Article: Hajime Tabata's Type-0 AMA

[Polnareff]

Hm, I don't really have a lot of questions that won't be answered when I play the game in March. Since I'm buying it regardless, I don't need any more info to make a decision on my purchase. I guess I would ask him:

1. Why did it take so long to get Type-0 released in the West?
2. Why only release it for PS4 and not also Vita?

My question is, why is it not for PS3 as well, since PS3 has sold 10 times the amount of what the PS4 has? I can somewhat understand it not being on Vita since it sold the least so far, but the PS4 is only ahead of it by like one or two million.

It really, unequivocally makes no sense at all why this game isn't for PS3 as well.

[Mirage]

Because Sony wants them to release it for PS4 to give it more momentum. And at the same time, they save themselves for the work involved in optimizing it for PS3.

Sony really should have pushed for a Vita release as well though, as that console needs a lot more help than PS4 does.

[Polnareff]

Still makes no sense because only a couple thousand people, if that, will actually buy a PS4 for Type-0 HD anyway. If we're going the "PS4 needs more momentum" route, then logically, the game should have been for Vita instead, to boost its sales, even though it's only trailing behind PS4's sales by like 2 or 3 million.

Square-Enix makes such troutty business decisions, and it's no wonder they have a lot of angry and confused fans. All they have to do to ensure profit is release it on PS3 as well. Any optimization needed would be made for in sales. And it's not like it was super easy to optimize the game for PS4 either.

As a business, Square-Enix fails hardcore.

EDIT: Sony does too, in some ways. It's a bit idiotic to pay S-E to make the game for PS4 when the money they will make back won't even cover what they paid them. >_>

[Scotty_ffgamer]

If I remember right, the port over to PS4 was actually pretty simple since they were already working on XV, and this team was more familiar with the PS4 hardware. In any case, the PS3 was way harder to develop stuff for than the PS4. I'd also bank that they are doing it on PS4/Xbox One in part because they were hoping for solid sales out the gate since the first print would have a demo for XV tied to them. I mean, their communication on that front was a bit iffy, but I'm sure that was part of the thought process.

I'd argue it makes more sense for Sony to want it on PS4 than Vita if they wanted it to boost sales of a console if there was some kind of deal (I'd highly doubt Sony would be funding this game since it is on Xbox One as well) just because they've all but abandoned the Vita. They still see a future for PS4, and it needs more games. The Vita would probably make more sense from a gameplay standpoint though. I'd imagine the game is designed more around be portable than on a console.

There's also no real reason to put it on PS3. Sure, it'd be nice for people who haven't gone to the current gen of consoles, but most people are focusing more on the current gen now. When you take into consideration of that fact that it's on Xbox One AND PS4, they really aren't limiting their sales that much if at all.

[Mirage]

Still makes no sense because only a couple thousand people, if that, will actually buy a PS4 for Type-0 HD anyway. If we're going the "PS4 needs more momentum" route, then logically, the game should have been for Vita instead, to boost its sales, even though it's only trailing behind PS4's sales by like 2 or 3 million.

Square-Enix makes such troutty business decisions, and it's no wonder they have a lot of angry and confused fans. All they have to do to ensure profit is release it on PS3 as well. Any optimization needed would be made for in sales. And it's not like it was super easy to optimize the game for PS4 either.

As a business, Square-Enix fails hardcore.

EDIT: Sony does too, in some ways. It's a bit idiotic to pay S-E to make the game for PS4 when the money they will make back won't even cover what they paid them. >_>

Well, one single game gives it momentum even if it alone doesn't directly sell more consoles. You gotta look at it as a whole. Having type 0 on the console gives customers one additional reason to switch over.

Take me for example. Type 0 doesn't sell the console to me. If that was the only game I wanted on the ps4, I wouldn't have bought it at all. It is however the first out of many games that I want, and therefore influences when I decide to buy one. In fact, without type 0, I would have delayed my ps4 purchase by probably another 4 months.

[jlewbro]

Tabata will be taking questions in a couple of minutes about Type-O HD. Hit the link to join in and ask whatever you wish. Should learn some interesting stuff.

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/

[Freya]

Things i've learned.

• Tabata's hobby outside of making games is making games.
• Zack from Crisis core is his favorite FF character.
• There wont be super difficult achievements/trophies. They based TYpe-0's off of XIII's trophies.
• Even though multiplayer was taken out, the side quest will still be available. It was too difficult to create a similar system to work on the new consoles to work like the multiplayer on the PSP.
• "We calculated the speed of the party characters, and increased their speed for the HD version. We also improved the controls for characters where we felt they could be improved. "
• The reason it isn't on Vita, like how FFX|X-2 HD was, is because Type-0 was made for the newest generation of consoles so it couldn't be translated to the Vita as well as the X|X-2 remaster that was made for the 360/PS3 generation. The specs were too different. Also cause his eyesight is getting bad for small screens. (whaaat?)
• He likes the FF games to have a mix of a real world feel with fantasy elements.

  I wanted to create a FINAL FANTASY where you could truly feel a vibrant game world and characters, while also exploring the deep emotions of the characters. My work on Crisis Core got me interested in exploring and creating a game with those themes.

• “We Have Come” is his favorite music track from the game.
• All of the exclusive accessories that you had to get by unique offers in Japan can be obtained in-game. The Members’ Site rewards have been incorporated into the game itself.
• The Crimson mission events, the design will be the same as the PSP version. But they've added some new (important!) scenes for the HD version.
• There are no plans for a PC release but Tabata is interested in steam, particularly when Half-Life 2 Episode 3 will come out.
• The European version will include English and Japanese voice work and English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish subtitles as well.
• They plan to include the FFXV Episode Duscae demo for a limited time with a Type-0 HD digital purchase.
• Does the high demand for Type-0 release in America surprise you? There is a big audience in America for people who love japanese games.
  I was very surprised by the response and very happy by the outpouring of support. I would love to make a great FF community with our American fans.
  We're sitting right here tabata!
• Dragon Warrior 3 (Dragon Quest 3) is his favorite Japanese RPG outside of Final Fantasy. It’s the KING of JRPGs to him.
• What is your favorite Final Fantasy game and why?
  My favorite FINAL FANTASY… Well, FF1 was the most memorable, while FF7 was the most influential to me. But overall, FF6 has to be my favorite. I looked at previous FF games for my research on developing FF15 and FF6 really stood out to me.
• What games and game directors do you personally get inspiration from?
  There are plenty of games and game creators that respect, but Journey popped into my mind right now.
• Do you have any comments about the long development time for FFXV? What are you planning to do to ensure the game releases in a timely manner?
  I’m sorry to keep you all waiting for the release of FF15. We’re doing our best to keep things going and release it as soon as possible. Please try out the demo and I hope you have fun playing it!
• Why does Seven look so much similar to Lightning?
  In the Japanese version we used the same voice actress for both characters and they’re both very cool. I wonder why?
• Who is your favorite character design in Type-0?
  My favorite character in Type-0 is the soldier who dies in the intro. His name is Izana.
• What are the three best characters in terms of Magic, Strength, and Range? (I'm assuming this would be a well rounded party?)
  Ace, Rem, and King are my suggestions for beginners. For more advanced players, I’d use Trey, Jack, and Eight (or Seven).
• After XV comes out, would you consider releasing this on the Vita like a year later perhaps?
  (nonrelated) Will the people who bought FFX/X-2 Remaster for PS3 get a free upgrade to the PS4 version?
  For questions 4 & 5…hahaha!
• How long is TYPE-0 ? Can you give an estimate.
  I think you should be able to see the ending in around 40 hours. But the real fun starts from the second playthrough since you get some new events, so you’ll probably be able to play for over 100 hours. Take your time to get the full experience and have fun!
• What CAN you tell us about XV?
  For Episode Duscae, our Japanese fans keep asking if we’re including a jump feature or if the “Phantom Sword” will be available. And I can confirm that both are in the demo!

[Del Murder]

My favorite FINAL FANTASY… Well, FF1 was the most memorable, while FF7 was the most influential to me. But overall, FF6 has to be my favorite. I looked at previous FF games for my research on developing FF15 and FF6 really stood out to me.

GOOD SIGN

[Freya]

Yeah I was pretty excited for that part.

[Freya]

• Do you think you'll revisit Crisis Core and Before Crisis and give them the HD treatment?
  That’s an interesting question. There are no plans at this time, but I’m curious as to how many fans would be interested in such games.
• What's the target frame rate/resolution for FFXV?
  Our target for the full version is full-HD (30 fps), but it's difficult to realize that with the graphics and features we have in the game.
• What can we expect in Episode Duscae?
  In terms of Episode Duscae...you'll find out if Cindy is this game's "Cid" by playing the demo!
• In the PSP version of Type-0 there were a number of faults in the battle mechanics that persisted throughout the game. One of the problems you have addressed is the erratic camera which it seems you may have addressed. However, the biggest fault with the game was the party AI. Often members of your party would stand still in a battle doing absolutely nothing during a fight. This unreliable AI made it more beneficial to simply compose a party of one character that you controlled yourself. Has there been any work on this serious problem for the release of the HD remake?
  The AI wasn’t a code due to technical restrictions with the PSP. So we made the AI focus on healing the player when their HP got really low and ensured that the AI-controlled characters wouldn’t die easily or “steal” too many kills from the player. We made it this way because of the reserves function since only the characters in the active battle party earn experience.
  We didn’t make any changes to this feature in the HD version as that would require an overhaul of the system from the ground up.
  We have made some improvements to camera and controls as you said. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the improvements!

Wait Cidney might not be the CID?

[metagloria]

Wait Cidney might not be the CID?

Well, considering her name is Cindy...

[Freya]

Nope. It's Cidney Or I thought they said that's what it was but it keeps getting translated to Cindy....

Also I saw your question Metagloria, I wish he'd answered it.

[Ayen]

My favorite FINAL FANTASY… Well, FF1 was the most memorable, while FF7 was the most influential to me. But overall, FF6 has to be my favorite. I looked at previous FF games for my research on developing FF15 and FF6 really stood out to me.

GOOD SIGN

I knew there was a reason I liked him.

[chionos]

"What is your favorite Final Fantasy game and why?

My favorite FINAL FANTASY… Well, FF1 was the most memorable, while FF7 was the most influential to me. But overall, FF6 has to be my favorite. I looked at previous FF games for my research on developing FF15 and FF6 really stood out to me."

Yep, yep, yep. Tabata knows his stuff. This gives me hope for FFXV.

[Mirage]

see even SE agrees that FF6 is the best