Game publisher Square Enix has some sad news for Final Fantasy XV fans today: the developer Hajime Tabata has left the company.
Final Fantasy XV developer leaving
In a shocking new development, global brand director Akio Ofuji stated that Tabata has left the company and has left the development of the upcoming DLCs of the game to other hands. These were four new DLC episodes that were supposed to be launched in Spring 2019. It will involve Noctis, Aranea, Lunafreya, and Ardyn.
To make matters worse, Ofuji continued that this will no longer be the case for the DLC releases. They have decided to cancel Episodes Noctis, Aranea, and Lunafreya. Only Episode Ardyn is left and will release this coming March 2019.
Ofuji stated that after a directional change at the company, they have re-examined the projects of the game and determined that they should cancel production of the three DLC episodes. They regret that they will not be able to release the episodes that the fans were looking forward to, but hopes that they will understand their decision.
Luminous Productions in progress
In a lighter note, Luminous Productions is now working on a new AAA title for Square Enix. Ofuji claimed that the cancellation of the DLCs meant that there will be more resources for this studio and can now focus on completing and releasing the mysterious title.
Animated cinematic coming
In relation to Episode Ardyn, an animated cinematic that will tell the Prologue of the episode will be launched sometime before the DLC becomes available. The DLC will give players more information about this major villain.
Comrades coming next month
In another related news, the standalone multiplayer of the game: Comrades will be launched on Dec. 12 for the PlayStation 4. For players who already have the DLC via the season pass will get the standalone version for free. When it goes live, the game mode in the main game will no longer be playable. They will have to download Comrades separately. It will include 10 new bosses, costumes, and weapons.
Check out the Comrades trailer below: