During an interview with a foreign media last year, producer Naoki Yoshida was asked whether players could expect to see Black or other people of colour in Final Fantasy XVI, as the previously released trailers had mostly featured white characters.

"This is a difficult question, but not one that was unexpected, seeing as diversity in entertainment media has become a much-discussed topic as of late. The answer I have, however, may end up being disappointing to some depending on individual expectations," Yoshida said.

He added: "Our design concept from the earliest stages of development has always heavily featured medieval Europe, incorporating historical, cultural, political, and anthropological standards that were prevalent at the time. When deciding on a setting that was best suited to the story we wanted to tell — the story of a land beset by the Blight — we felt that rather than create something on a global scale, it was necessary to limit the scope to a single landmass — one geographically and culturally isolated from the rest of the world in an age without airplanes, television, or telephones."

Besides, Naoki Yoshida believed that due to the game's world setting, Valisthea will not have the same level of diversity as modern-day Earth. While diversity in races is important, overdoing it could lead to violating the narrative boundaries that were originally set. He also hoped that players wouldn't focus solely on characters' appearances, but rather on their identities as people - their complex nature in terms of their nature, background, beliefs, personality, and motivations - and find resonance with them.

After the above interview was made public, it sparked controversy and criticism from many Black gamers. Recently, in addition to getting a sneak preview of Final Fantasy XVI, foreign media have once again interviewed Naoki Yoshida and asked him to further respond on this topic.

Prior to sharing his point of view on the matter, "people all have their own thoughts on the scope and their understanding of the term 'diversity'," he stated. "I don’t consider this a bad thing – but it means that the impression my answer will give may vary greatly depending on how someone personally interprets the meaning. So, I would first like to ask that you keep this in mind."

"We have created the world of Valisthea and the story of Final Fantasy 16 with a great deal of research and investigation into various cultures and value systems from all around the world and have woven them into the sweeping fantasy narrative and world with great respect and care. I would ask players to experience Final Fantasy 16 and see with their own eyes the diverse range of values we have included in the creation of the game."

In summary, based on this latest interview, it seems that Final Fantasy XVI has no plans to make any compromises in terms of adding content or characters related to Black or people of colour. The game is scheduled to be officially released on June 22 for Playstation 5.

Source: IGN