He’s out as of Might 31

After serving Sq. Enix for over twenty years in a number of roles, Shinji Hashimoto has left the corporate to retire from the business altogether.

He introduced the information immediately on his Twitter account (posing with a Chocobo plush), noting that he’ll retire on Might 31 of this 12 months, and can proceed to assist the corporate as a fan. Instantly following the tweet, Masahiro Sakurai reached out to thank him for his contributions to the sector. 2021 was a prelude of types to this transfer, as he stepped down as government director from the corporate to concentrate on different roles.

Whereas Shinji Hashimoto isn’t as high-profile as another members of the Sq. Enix collective, odds are you’ve performed a sport he’s labored on extensively, or learn heaps of stories that concerned him not directly. He was one of many first-ever folks to touch upon a remake of Remaining Fantasy VII over a decade in the past, and has labored on video games from Chocobo Dungeon to Kingdom Hearts III (a sequence that he partly is liable for the creation of).

He was additionally well-known for giving biting commentary when requested questions by followers and video games writers alike; particularly when he was quizzed about bringing again outdated franchises. Even when he stated one thing folks might not need to hear, he was a refreshing change of tempo from the sometimes guarded government a part of the business within the fashionable period. I hope he enjoys his retirement, and it’ll be fascinating to see the place Sq. Enix goes subsequent, and the way they intend to fill his footwear.

Chris Carter

Critiques Director, Co-EIC – Chris has been having fun with Destructoid avidly since 2008. He lastly determined to take the subsequent step, make an account, and begin running a blog in January of 2009. Now, he is workers!