Mon Mar 03 21:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Final Fantasy 14 Director Naoki Yoshida’s Role Shifts Amidst Square Enix Restructuring
**TOKYO, JAPAN** – The role of Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida (“Yoshi-P”) at Square Enix is raising questions following a recent company restructuring. While still credited as the director of the massively popular MMORPG, Yoshida’s omission from a list of Square Enix directors, replaced by a listing as chief executive on the Executive Management Committee, has sparked speculation.
The change was first noted by Automaton in a Square Enix report detailing a management overhaul prompted by underperforming sales of Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and cited changes in the entertainment business. While the official Square Enix website still lists Yoshida on the board of directors, the discrepancy has fueled debate.
Yoshida, widely praised for reviving Final Fantasy XIV after its troubled launch, was promoted to the Square Enix board in 2018. However, reports suggest he previously attempted to resign from this position, citing a preference for game development over board duties. The recent shift may represent a successful attempt to focus solely on game creation.
The restructuring, overseen by new President and CEO Takashi Kiryu, includes a new management committee and executive officers. While the exact implications of Yoshida’s altered role remain unclear, it’s believed that his ongoing contributions to Final Fantasy XIV are secure. His continued involvement in the franchise is undeniable, having recently directed Final Fantasy XVI as well. The change appears to primarily affect his internal, non-game development responsibilities within Square Enix.
First Piper 