Few studios are as well-known in the modern JRPG genre as Square Enix. The Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts developer has established itself as one of the largest studios in the gaming industry with a massive and passionate fanbase over the years. Many of Square Enix's most well-known talents, such as Final Fantasy character designer Tetsuya Nomura and Final Fantasy 14 producer Naoki Yoshida, have become household names in the gaming world. Now, one of the franchise's original creators will say goodbye to the studio that made him famous.

Shinji Hashimoto has been with Square Enix for nearly three decades, beginning in 1995 when the company was still known as Squaresoft. Hashimoto was the Final Fantasy franchise's brand manager during an era that saw some of the series' most widely acclaimed games, such as Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 10-2. Hashimoto is also one of the co-creators of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, having served as producer or executive producer on every Kingdom Hearts game to date. Hashimoto has now officially announced that today will be his last day working for the legendary developer.

Following the producer's official retirement announcement, there has already been an outpouring of support from both the gaming public and the gaming industry. Many of the gaming industry's most well-known names have responded to Hashimoto's tweet, including Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai and Nier franchise director Yoko Taro. Hashimoto's last role with Square Enix was as an executive producer on the previously mentioned Neo: The World Ends With You, before transitioning to a corporate advisor role with Square Enix Holdings.

Hashimoto's departure from Square Enix comes as both of the producer's main franchises prepare to enter their next chapter. Early last month, Square Enix officially announced Kingdom Hearts 4 with a stylish cinematic trailer teasing the game's story and new gameplay elements. The Final Fantasy franchise is also preparing for its next installment, with fans eagerly awaiting more information from Square Enix on the previously announced Final Fantasy 16. Shinji Hashimoto will leave Square Enix as one of the company's most influential employees.