Final Fantasy collection creator Hironobu Sakaguchi has addressed the backlash towards his optimistic response to an unofficial, AI-generated video for a Final Fantasy 6 remake.
On Might 18, Sakaguchi retweeted the AI-generated video on his official X account, under, reacting with: “What is that this?! It’s superb!”
なにコレ！？
すごいじゃん https://t.co/hSfhU9U4rA— 坂口博信 (@auuo) May 17, 2026
The mock trailer reveals the primary forged (plus villain Kefka) in current-gen graphics and covers iconic moments from FF6 such because the opera scene, Terra’s Esper transformation, and even Sabin suplexing a practice, plus gameplay-like scenes of Terra strolling by varied cities and overworlds in a method related to latest RPGs like Sq. Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Remake Trilogy.
Though the AI video stirred up nostalgia and hopes of a contemporary 3D remake for the SNES traditional, many commenters criticized Sakaguchi’s optimistic response. “Are you actually praising one thing that was made with out permission utilizing generative AI?” one person reacted. Some claimed that the AI model doubtlessly infringes on copyright in a number of methods, noting the usage of Final Fantasy 6’s brand and Terra’s theme with out permission).
Even SaGa collection creator and Sq. up to date Akitoshi Kawazu, who labored with Sakaguchi on early Final Fantasy titles, weighed in, saying: “No, Sakaguchi-san, it is best to have stopped after the primary line,” suggesting a shocked “What is that this?!” would have been a extra appropriate response from the daddy of Final Fantasy. In the remainder of his remark, Kawazu talked about his latest run-in with an American vacationer who beloved Final Fantasy 6 and Sabin, including that: “I do suppose that 6 could be appropriate for a remake.”
In a (*6*), Sakaguchi expressed shock on the consideration the Final Fantasy 6 submit garnered: “Whoa, what an enormous response,” he mentioned, including: “I simply sort of intuitively reacted to the potential” proven within the AI video. He defined that whereas he feels AI content material isn’t ok to use as-is, he senses potential for fascinating developments sooner or later.
“In spite of everything, I’m the form of one who has been propelled by the final 40 years’ work and personal life solely by thrilling issues,” Sakaguchi concluded, acknowledging how he has at all times been pursuing new concepts and expertise, as will be seen within the Final Fantasy collection’ lasting affect on the RPG style.
Sakaguchi’s tweet completed with an idea illustration for the Grand Employees magic analysis facility from his personal studio’s debut sport, 2008’s Misplaced Odyssey, with the creator including that he “performed round” with animating it (implying that he might have used gen AI to accomplish that).
おや！？なんだかすごい反応ｗ
まあ、なんていうか「可能性を直感的に感じちゃった」ってことで
そのまんまじゃダメだけど、その先には面白そうなことも待っていそうな．．．そんな感覚っす… pic.twitter.com/bL5CyXAZbl— 坂口博信 (@auuo) May 18, 2026
Whereas many commenters mentioned they understood Sakaguchi’s pleasure for the potential of latest expertise, others nonetheless thought that as an influential determine within the video games’ business, he ought to have acknowledged the potential copyright infringement points that at the moment make AI such a controversial matter.
Sakaguchi was one of many main artistic forces behind the Final Fantasy franchise from FF1 by to FF10, together with The Spirits Inside film. After leaving Sq., he based his personal studio Mistwalker. Replaying Final Fantasy 6 is definitely what impressed Sakaguchi to create his newest sport, Fantasian: Neo Dimension.
It stays to be seen if Sq. Enix ever decides to revisit FF6, however reactions to the AI video present that there are a big variety of followers of the sport that would love to see it get a full 3D remake as well as to the Pixel Remaster. However will Sq. Enix really do it? In 2024, Final Fantasy 6 director Yoshinori Kitase mentioned a remake akin to that given to Final Fantasy 7 might take round 20 years to full, noting that due to the depth of the sport and the sheer quantity of content material and characters, it will take twice the size of Final Fantasy 7 Remake to develop and launch.
Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance author who beforehand served as editor, contributor and translator for the sport information website Automaton West. She has additionally written about Japanese tradition and flicks for varied publications.