director Tetsuya Nomura has explained the upcoming game will serve as a light “reset” for the series, with its developers focussed on making it more approachable for all players. In a recent interview with , Nomura acknowledged that ‘ lore has become very convoluted over the last few decades, with new players likely finding it overwhelming to jump in. “As everyone has said, was just announced, but it’s really just like ,” he said, in reference to the sheer number of games in the franchise.
With many main console titles, handheld spin-offs and mobile tie-ins, tracking the lore of the series is incredibly difficult. On the surface, appeared to be adding to the drama – as its first trailer includes characters from , a mobile spin-off. But Nomura has insisted this game and upcoming titles like are being developed “with a stronger focus on being new titles rather than sequels.
” Internally, Square Enix has experimented with having new writers develop stories, particularly those who aren’t entrenched in years of lore. That way, can function as a “reset” and a new chapter. Even those who deep into the lore of can appreciate the series has become overly complex for a series that’s meant to be a fun romp through Disney and Square Enix worlds, so news of a lore revamp won’t go unappreciated.
Per Nomura, dedicated fans will still find plenty of easter eggs and lore tidbits to enjoy in the game, but knowledge will not be dependant on having played every single .