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Hideo Baba has announced he is leaving Studio Istolia and Square Enix because of “management policies.”
“As of today, with the change in Studio Istolia’s management policies, I have resigned as the company president at the end of December 2018 to make way for the new generation of talent, and I also resigned from Square Enix at the end of March 2019,” Baba said (thanks, Siliconera).
“I’d like to once again express my gratitude to the Square Enix Group for having provided various experiences. I will continue supporting from the sidelines, and wish with all my heart for the continued growth of the Square Enix Group.”
Tales producer Hideo Baba joined Studio Istolia as president only a couple of years ago. It’s unclear what Baba will do next, or how his departure will affect his latest game, Project Prelude Rune.
Square Enix released its financial results for the six month period that ended on September 30th 2018 and it was not looking bright for the Japanese firm. Net sales were down 15 per cent compared to the same period last year, while operating income plunged 61 per cent year-on-year to ¥10bn (£67.5m) compared to last year’s ¥25bn (£173m).
Following the release of this financial report, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy XV’s upcoming DLC, due to launch throughout 2019, was being cancelled, with Hajime Tabata resigning from Square Enix and Luminous Productions to form his own studio, JP Games.
In a statement, Tabata said: “I was able to gain so much experience with my time at Square Enix. Every title I was able to be a part of means a lot to me. However, Final Fantasy XV stood out from that group as it was a special project for me which I went all-in on.” He added: “In regards to my next endeavours and near future, I have a project that I truly wish to solidify as my next challenge after Final Fantasy XV. For that reason, I have decided to leave my current position and start my own business in order to achieve my goal.”
