In a rare and deeply reflective moment, Final Fantasy Tactics creator and director Yasumi Matsuno shared insights into the origins of the beloved strategy RPG, revealing that he wrote its story as a beacon of hope for those living in what he describes as an era "robbed of hope." With the long-awaited release of *Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles* now officially set for later this year, Matsuno took to X (formerly Twitter) to deliver a poignant message — one that resonates just as powerfully in 2025 as it did nearly three decades ago.
“Nearly 30 years ago,” Matsuno recalled, “the collapse of Japan’s bubble economy buried financial institutions under mountains of bad debt, leading to corporate failures, skyrocketing unemployment, and widespread societal stagnation. It was a time when many lost their sense of purpose — when dreams were no longer dreams, but commodities with a price.”
Against that bleak backdrop, Matsuno crafted a narrative of resistance and personal conviction. He introduced us to Ramza Beoulve, a noble yet defiant young man who rises against a rigid and corrupt social hierarchy. Alongside him is Delita Heiral — a character driven not by idealism, but by ambition, seeking to exploit chaos and despair to climb the ranks of power. Their intertwined fates form the emotional core of a tale where loyalty and betrayal collide, shaping destinies in unpredictable ways.
Matsuno continued, “And now, in 2025 — amid persistent inequality, polarization, and uncertainty — I offer this story once again. This time, not just as a reflection of the past, but as a reminder: the will to resist, to question, and to choose your own path — that power lies in your hands.”
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – What’s Included?
The Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, titled *The Ivalice Chronicles*, brings together two distinct versions of the game in one package. The first is the original version, complete with the *War of the Lions* expansion and fully translated English text. The second is a completely reimagined edition featuring full voice acting, updated visuals, a modernized interface, and what Square Enix describes as “extensive additions and adjustments to the story” — offering both longtime fans and newcomers a fresh way to experience Ivalice.
The game is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5 on September 30, 2025.
More Announcements from PlayStation State of Play 2025
*Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles* was one of many exciting reveals during Sony’s high-energy PlayStation State of Play 2025 broadcast. As the summer gaming season heats up, the presentation offered a wide array of upcoming titles sure to captivate players worldwide. Among the highlights were:
- 007 First Light
- Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls
- Romeo is a Dead Man
- Silent Hill f's release date
Stay tuned for more updates as Summer Games Fest Week approaches and developers begin to reveal deeper looks at these highly anticipated titles.