The fantasy MMO Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn loses one of its most important employees in Yoshihisa Hashimoto.
Yoshihisa Hashimoto was previously the Chief Technology Officer behind the MMO Final Fantasy XIV and worked as Technical Director under Producer Naoki Yoshida on Square Enix’s current MMO flagship. Hashimoto led the Advanced Technology Department at Square Enix and played a key role in the development of the new engine Luminous.
According to a report from Polygon magazine, Hashimoto cites personal reasons as the cause for his withdrawal from Square Enix. Until a full replacement is found, his tasks will be taken over by other key employees at Square Enix. Additionally, he will continue to serve as a technical advisor until then.
As Polygon reports, Hashimoto’s departure is the latest in a series of exits that Square Enix has experienced in recent months. In December 2013, character designer Akihiko Yoshida, who contributed to numerous Final Fantasy games, announced his departure.
Moreover, several other key figures also left the company from the administrative leadership level. Fiscal Year 2013 was anything but pleasant for Square Enix, but 2014 looks significantly better, mainly due to Producer Naoki Yoshida and his team’s success in reviving the MMO Final Fantasy XIV, which was thought to be dead, and turning it into a sales hit.
