Square Enix: New MMORPG Under Development

The official website for GDC 2008 reveals that four staff members from Square Enix will be taking the stage at GDC 2008.

- Fumiaki Shiraishi and Toshiro Tsuchida will be presenting an in-depth look at the development process of Square Enix's Wii Ware launch title Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Young King and the Promised Land.

- Isamu Kamikokuryo, Final Fantasy XIII's art director, will touch upon the secret of Final Fantasy art, how he gets inspiration, how he was trained, how his concept art influence the game development, etc.

- Taku Murata, the head of Square Enix's R&D. In this talk, Taku will describe the whole process of the engine development; why now, why not third party engine, what is unique, how it is being developed, what were challenges, etc. You'll be able to see the technological essence of Final Fantasy development.

- Taku Murata's page also confirms that a new MMORPG is in development: "The new game engine will be used for FINAL FANTASY XIII, new MMORPG under development, and other titles in the future."

If this is that Final Fantasy Haeresis XIII title that was trademarked a while back, then there is no doubt this MMORPG will be coming to the PLAYSTATION 3.

[GDC speakers announced; confirmation that new MMORPG is in development]