Profile of Naoki Yoshida, the Producer of Final Fantasy XIV, Who Has Just Left the Board of Directors of Square Enix

Naoki Yoshida, known as Yoshi-P, is no longer a member of the board of directors of Square Enix following the latest management update. However, he still holds an important role within the company.

As the figure who revolutionized Final Fantasy XIV, Yoshida has served as an executive at Square Enix since 2015 and later became the executive director in 2018. However, he is now referred to simply as "executive officer," indicating a change in his status.

This change is likely related to Yoshida's personal desire to focus more on game development, something he has expressed in the past.

1. Naoki Yoshida's Career Journey at Square Enix

Profile of Naoki Yoshida (credit: finalfantasy.fandom.com)

Naoki Yoshida joined Square Enix in 2004 and became widely known after saving Final Fantasy XIV from a major failure.

After successfully reviving the game with Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Yoshida was promoted to executive officer in 2015. Three years later, he was elevated to executive director, a position that placed him on the board of directors of Square Enix.

2. Reasons for Naoki Yoshida's Resignation from the Board of Directors

Profile of Naoki Yoshida (credit: finalfantasy.fandom.com)

Although Square Enix has not made an official statement regarding the reasons for Yoshida's resignation from the board of directors, many believe that this decision was made voluntarily.

In various interviews, Yoshida has stated that he does not enjoy the executive role and prefers to be directly involved in the game development process. In fact, he once attempted to resign from his executive position, but Square Enix rejected that request.

3. Status Change: From Executive Director to Executive Officer

Previously, as an executive director, Yoshida had significant responsibilities in the company's strategic decision-making. Now, in the latest management structure update, he is referred to only as an executive officer.

Although this appears to be a demotion, Yoshida's role remains significant. Square Enix still relies on his vision in game development, especially in the Final Fantasy franchise.

4. Yoshida's New Role in the Executive Management Committee

Although Yoshida has stepped down from the board of directors, he remains part of the Executive Management Committee, a strategic team formed by Square Enix to expedite decision-making.

In this committee, Yoshida will work alongside Square Enix president, Takashi Kiryu, as well as five other executives to help implement the company's medium-term business strategy.

5. The Impact of This Change on Final Fantasy and Square Enix

This change in management structure comes at a time when Square Enix is shifting its business strategy, including a focus on quality over quantity and expanding to more platforms.

Yoshida himself still plays an important role in Final Fantasy XIV, and has previously been a producer for Final Fantasy XVI. Although no longer a board member, his influence in the development of Square Enix games remains strong.

6. Why did Naoki Yoshida leave the board of directors of Square Enix?

Because he did not enjoy the executive role and wanted to focus more on game development.

7. Is Yoshida still working at Square Enix?

Yes, he continues to serve as the executive officer and a member of the Executive Management Committee.

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