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There will be no female party members in the next Final Fantasy game, the title’s director has revealed.
Speaking to Gamespot, Hajime Tabata said that the decision was an effort to make the game more accessible.
"Speaking honestly, an all-male party feels almost more approachable for players,” he explained.
He added the suggestion that even one female character could upset the exploration of the relationships between the male members.
Even the presence of one female in the group will change their behaviour, so that they’ll act differently,” he said.
So to give the most natural feeling, to make them feel sincere and honest, having them all the same gender made sense in that way.”
In general, Tabata continued, Final Fantasy XV would explore a ‘boys will be boys’ theme.
"The world might be ready to see the curtain lifted on what boys do when girls aren’t around, when they come out of the tent all prim and proper,” he commented.
From early looks and gameplay from demo/preview Episode Duscae, which was included with Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, it seems that the natural preference of men is to go camping, cook and fight monsters.
Despite all of the party members being male, at least one major female character will be included; Cidney is the first female representation of series staple and fan-favourite Cid, who often appears as a mechanic or engineer.
XV marks the first core Final Fantasy release since the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy (Final Fantasy XIV was an MMO).
The games followed female protagonist Lightning, with the third title, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, actually placing her name ahead of the Final Fantasy brand title.
Final Fantasy X-2 starred an all-female cast, and included game mechanics such as the Garment Grid and Dress Spheres.
Female party members have had a long-running presence in the franchise, with characters such as Tifa, Rinoa, Yuna, Yuffie, Aerith and Garnet seeing a notable fan following.
