The landscape of Japanese role-playing games, commonly known as JRPGs, is on the cusp of a transformation. With industry leaders like Persona and Metaphor: ReFantazio director Katsura Hashino at the helm, the evolution is being coined as JRPG “3.0.” Hashino predicts that these changes will redefine the genre in ways players have never seen before.
The Dawn of JRPG 3.0
During a recent address at the Korean G-Star 2025 gaming conference, Hashino highlighted the historical evolution of JRPGs. He identified the genre’s origins with seminal titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy as JRPG 1.0. These classics laid the foundation for what the genre would become. The current era, which offers more responsive gameplay, marks JRPG 2.0. Looking ahead, Hashino envisions JRPG 3.0 as a future phase, bringing greater depth and innovation to the genre.
Hashino expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead, stating, “There will be a greater dimension to these games, and they’ll change the genre’s structure and presentation at a fundamental level.”
Debating the Future of Combat Systems
The conversation around JRPGs often pivots to combat systems, particularly whether franchises like Final Fantasy should return to traditional turn-based mechanics. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 co-director Naoki Hamaguchi acknowledged this debate, especially following the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which embraces classic turn-based combat. Hamaguchi emphasized that the priority is creating a gameplay experience fans will relish, irrespective of combat style.
Naoki Yoshida, the director of Final Fantasy 14 and producer of Final Fantasy 16, weighed in on the turn-based versus action RPG debate. According to Yoshida, the decision hinges on various factors, including the desired graphical quality and narrative. “It’s not a clear-cut answer, whether it will become all turn-based, or if it’s going to become more action-based,” he remarked. He also emphasized the importance of allowing future creators the freedom to innovate beyond established frameworks.
Success Stories and Collaborations
The influence of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to ripple through the industry. The game’s development team recently visited Square Enix, engaging in a “creatively rich exchange of visions and ideas” with key figures like Hamaguchi and Ryosuke Yoshida of Visions of Mana. The impact of Clair Obscur is further underscored by its impressive sales and record-setting nominations at The Game Awards.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has achieved remarkable commercial success, selling five million copies in five months. Its critical acclaim is evident with 12 nominations at this year’s The Game Awards, including Best RPG, Best Art Direction, and the prestigious Game of the Year accolade.