NOCTO!
Square Enix has announced that 75% ofFinal Fantasy XV’splanned DLC for 2019 has been canceled. Fans were given the news during aspecial announcement streamfor the game, which will be celebrating its second birthday at the end of the month. Along with the DLC getting canned,XV’sdirector Hajime Tabata has departed both Square Enix and Luminous Productions.
Tabata issued a message to fans that read:
Hello, this is Tabata.
It’s almost going to be two whole years since the release ofFinal Fantasy XV. I honestly believe the reason we were able to get this far is because of all you loyal fans. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Today, I have a personal announcement to make to all of you. I, Hajime Tabata, will be resigning from Luminous Productions and the Square Enix Group as of Jul 10, 2025.
I was able to gain so much experience with my time at Square Enix. Every title I was able to be a part of means a lot to me. However,Final Fantasy XVstood out from that group as it was a special project for me which I went all-in on.
Therefore, I decided to take this opportunity to officially announce my departure fromFinal Fantasy XVto all the fans who have supported the title across the globe.
In regards to my next endeavors and near future, I have a project that I truly wish to solidify as my next challenge afterFinal Fantasy XV. For that reason, I have decided to leave my current position and start my own business to achieve my goal.
As production of “Episode Ardyn” continues and Luminous Productions works on new projects, I felt that it was time for me to hand over the torch to the next generation group of talented and trustworthy colleagues and believe that they will create something amazing.
From this day on, I will cheer on and support Square Enix and Luminous Productions together with all of you fans.
I would like to thank everyone who continue to supportFinal Fantasy XVand those who have also supported myself personally.
—Hajime Tabata
As for what is left,Episode Ardynwill still be arriving next March for everyone. The multiplayer add-on,Comrades, will be getting a standalone release on PS4 and Xbox One on December 12 (PC will skip it as it was included with the Windows version). The expansion version ofComradeswill cease operation, though owners of it will be given the standalone version for free. The PC version ofXVhas now ended production and no further updates will be coming.
Luminous Productions will still be working on whatever title it was currently planning, despite Square Enix posting reports of the company suffering “an extraordinary loss.” That loss is likely related to Tabata exiting the company and Square Enix deciding to cease further work onFinal Fantasy XV.
Hajime Tabata departs Square Enix and Luminous Productions[Gematsu]
