Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth creative director Tetsuya Nomura shares his thoughts on the term JRPG, stating that he is “not too keen on” the term. Nomura, known for his work on Kingdom Hearts and the Final Fantasy series, reflects on the early days of game interviews when the term was not commonly used. He questions the intent behind the term and finds it “a bit off” and “weird.” Nomura admits that he never truly understood why the term JRPG was needed in the first place.
In contrast to Nomura, Final Fantasy producer Yoshinori Kitase, who directed the original Final Fantasy 7, does not view the term JRPG negatively. Kitase believes that the term can be used to differentiate Japanese-made games and showcase a unique flavor or approach to gaming. He perceives the term as a way to highlight the distinction between Western-developed games and those from Japan, and he is comfortable with it in that context.
The disagreement between Nomura and Kitase highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the appropriateness of the term JRPG. While it would be ideal to have a consensus on such a widely used genre descriptor, the differences in perspective among influential figures in the gaming industry demonstrate the complexity of the issue. The question of what to call these games in the absence of the term JRPG remains challenging to unravel.
For more in-depth exploration of this perplexing topic, our colleague Dustin has written an insightful article earlier this year. The article raises the question: If JRPG is no longer acceptable, what alternative term should be used to refer to these games? Unpacking this question reveals the complexities inherent in categorizing games and the difficulties in finding a universally accepted term.
As the opinions of Tetsuya Nomura and Yoshinori Kitase diverge, the debate surrounding the term JRPG continues. The evolving landscape of the gaming industry, where Western-developed games dominate the majority, adds further nuance to the discussion. Ultimately, whether the term JRPG is viewed positively or negatively may vary depending on individual perspectives and cultural contexts.
The term JRPG remains a subject of contention, with prominent figures in the industry holding differing views. The ongoing debate sheds light on the challenges of categorization and highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the nuances within the gaming industry. As the industry evolves, finding a universally accepted term may prove elusive, but the conversation surrounding this issue will undoubtedly continue.
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