Persona Director Hashino: JRPG 3.0 to Fundamentally Change Genre

A seismic shift is on the horizon for Japanese Role-Playing Games, according to none other than Katsura Hashino, the visionary director behind beloved titles like Persona and the upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio. Hashino boldly proclaimed that the genre is evolving into its next major iteration, dubbed "JRPG 3.0," a phase he expects will redefine its very structure and presentation at a foundational level. This groundbreaking insight emerged from the Korean G-Star 2025 gaming conference, as reported by 4gamer and translated by GamesRadar+, sending ripples of anticipation through the global gaming community.

Hashino's Vision: The Dawn of JRPG 3.0

Katsura Hashino's declaration isn't merely a prediction; it's a classification of the genre's ongoing evolution. He envisions JRPG 3.0 as a future where games will possess a "greater dimension," promising an immersive experience that transcends current paradigms. This forward-looking perspective comes as the industry grapples with the balance between innovation and tradition, particularly in the realm of combat mechanics.

Evolution of JRPG: From 1.0 to a New Dimension

Hashino meticulously segmented the JRPG journey into distinct eras:

• JRPG 1.0: Representing the "true classics," foundational titles that established the genre's core identity. While not naming specifics, this stage evokes games reminiscent of early Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy.
• JRPG 2.0: Characterized by the current generation of JRPGs, defined by a "higher quality" and enhanced player responsiveness, making gameplay feel more immediate and refined.
• JRPG 3.0: The imminent future, where games will fundamentally alter their structure and presentation, introducing new dimensions to player engagement and narrative delivery.

Turn-Based Renaissance? The Clair Obscur Effect

The discussion around JRPG evolution is inextricably linked to the combat debate, specifically the enduring appeal of turn-based systems versus the shift towards action-oriented gameplay. This conversation has gained significant traction following the colossal success of Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This title, which proudly boasts traditional JRPG-inspired turn-based combat, has become one of the year's biggest hits, selling an astonishing five million copies in just five months. Its critical acclaim is equally impressive, securing a record-breaking 12 nominations at this year's prestigious The Game Awards, including coveted nods for Game of the Year, Best RPG, Best Direction, and Best Narrative, alongside three nominations for Best Performance.

Industry Leaders Weigh In: Final Fantasy Directors on Combat's Future

The phenomenal performance of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has spurred prominent figures within the JRPG landscape to reflect on genre conventions. Naoki Hamaguchi, co-director of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, has openly discussed the resurgence of turn-based combat's popularity. He emphasized the paramount importance of delivering a game experience that fans will genuinely enjoy, suggesting a flexible approach to combat design. Further fueling speculation, Hamaguchi recently hosted members of the Clair Obscur team at Square Enix offices, alongside Visions of Mana director Ryosuke Yoshida, describing their meeting as a "creatively rich exchange of visions and ideas."

Adding another layer to the discourse, Naoki Yoshida, the celebrated director/producer of Final Fantasy 14 and producer of Final Fantasy 16, addressed the turn-based versus action question in an interview with AnimeNewsNetwork. Yoshida eloquently argued against isolating gameplay to merely the battle system. He stressed that a creator's overarching vision—encompassing desired graphical quality, narrative goals, and holistic game design—dictates the entire system, including combat. Crucially, Yoshida expressed a desire not to "obstruct or limit" future directors for mainline Final Fantasy installments like 17 or 18, advocating for creative freedom rather than adherence to a single combat philosophy.

A New Era for RPGs is Here

As Katsura Hashino envisions a "JRPG 3.0" defined by fundamental structural and presentational changes, the industry stands at a fascinating crossroads. The immense success of titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reaffirms the enduring power and potential of traditional mechanics, while leading developers like Hamaguchi and Yoshida underscore the importance of evolving design philosophies. The future of JRPGs promises not just innovation, but a rich, multi-dimensional landscape crafted by the genre's most influential minds.