How Final Fantasy 10 Inspired the Creator of Journey in 2026

The legacy of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the ongoing success of Final Fantasy XIV continue to highlight the enduring influence of the Final Fantasy franchise, developed and published by Square Enix. While modern titles dominate current discussions, the emotional resonance of earlier entries remains a focal point for industry leaders. In 2026, it has come to light that Jenova Chen, the acclaimed designer behind indie staples such as Flower and Journey, credits the 2001 classic Final Fantasy X as a primary catalyst for his career in game development.

The Emotional Impact of Final Fantasy X

For many players, Final Fantasy X stands as a defining entry in the long-running series. Its narrative, centered on the journey of Tidus and Yuna, is frequently cited for its ability to elicit strong emotional responses. According to player feedback and critical reception, the game is widely considered one of the most effective tearjerkers in the history of the medium. Even decades after its debut on the PlayStation 2, the story of sacrifice and loss continues to resonate with both fans and professional creators alike.

Jenova Chen, the founder and CEO of thatgamecompany, recently reflected on his formative experiences with the title. In an interview with Edge Magazine, Chen described a specific moment where the narrative weight of the game became overwhelming. After witnessing a character make a significant sacrifice for the group, Chen found himself moved to tears long after he had stopped playing. This experience was not just a fleeting reaction; it was a transformative moment that altered his perspective on how games could function as an art form.

What Inspired Jenova Chen to Make Games?

Chen draws a parallel between his experience with Final Fantasy X and the way cinema influences aspiring filmmakers. He notes that directors like Peter Jackson were often moved by foundational experiences, such as witnessing the emotional core of King Kong at a young age. For Chen, the realization that he wanted to pursue a career as an artist was rooted in the quiet, contemplative state he felt after finishing a particularly impactful piece of media.

"At film school, we say, with a mediocre film, when the film is over, everybody leaves the theatre talking to each other, smiling," Chen explained. "When you have a really impactful film, everybody leaving the theatre is quiet. Their mind is totally blown away. That was me." This desire to provoke a deep, internal reaction in the audience became a cornerstone of his design philosophy. The melancholy beauty of the sacrifice depicted in Final Fantasy X served as a template for the types of emotional experiences he sought to create in his own work.

The Connection to PlayStation 3 Classics

The influence of Final Fantasy X extends into the development of what many consider a stone-cold classic of the PlayStation 3 era: Journey. By studying the way the game utilized silence, pacing, and character motivation to build emotional stakes, Chen was able to translate those lessons into his own interactive experiences. The ability of a game to change how a person lives their life, as Chen suggests, is the hallmark of a great piece of art.

Our coverage at In Game News often highlights how major industry titles influence independent developers. While Final Fantasy X was released in 2001, its status as a 92-rated title on Metacritic ensures it remains a subject of study. The interplay between high-budget Japanese RPGs and the indie scene demonstrates a lineage of design that prioritizes player empathy.

Industry Perspectives on Square Enix

While the emotional resonance of the series remains high, industry analysts have noted the challenges Square Enix faces in the modern era. Running a massive live-service title like Final Fantasy XIV for over 16 years has provided the company with significant experience in long-term engagement. However, some former executives have pointed out that the publisher has historically been "used to being slow" in its operations. There is a recurring discussion regarding whether the company has successfully transitioned its intellectual properties to meet the expectations of a new generation of players, a sentiment often echoed in our industry news analysis.

The Enduring Legacy of the 2001 RPG

The fact that a game released in 2001 can still serve as a primary inspiration for prominent designers in 2026 speaks to the strength of its writing. Final Fantasy X utilized a linear, character-driven structure that allowed for precise emotional beats. Unlike open-world titles that might diffuse their narrative tension, the focused journey of Tidus and his companions allowed for a concentrated impact that stayed with the player long after the screen went black.

For those looking to revisit the title, the game remains accessible across multiple modern platforms. Its mechanics, which emphasize a turn-based combat system, continue to be praised for their depth and strategic requirements. However, as Jenova Chen’s testimony shows, the mechanical systems are secondary to the narrative's ability to touch the player's core. The "tearjerker" reputation of the game is not merely a result of its ending, but a result of the consistent, melancholic tone that permeates the entire adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Final Fantasy 10 inspire the creator of Journey?
Yes, Jenova Chen, the founder of thatgamecompany and creator of Journey, has cited Final Fantasy 10 as a key inspiration for his desire to become an artist and game designer.

Why is Final Fantasy 10 considered a tearjerker?
Final Fantasy 10 is widely regarded as a tearjerker due to its tragic central love story between Tidus and Yuna and the emotionally resonant sacrifices made by its characters.

What PS3 classic was inspired by Final Fantasy 10?
The critically acclaimed PlayStation 3 title Journey was influenced by the emotional impact Jenova Chen experienced while playing Final Fantasy 10.