Final Fantasy Brave Exvius producer discusses Version 2.0 changes

The first major update for “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” was recently launched,  and it introduced a slew of changes to the popular mobile RPG.

Hiroki Fujimoto, the producer of the game’s Global version, was kind enough to discuss some of those changes with GMA News Online.

Quality-of-life enhancements

“The Version 2.0 update is all about making the game easier for players to get into, so we’ve made changes to the user interface,” said Fujimoto, who added that the biggest revision to the home screen’s user interface will allow players to “see what events are currently running and access them right away.”

An enhanced summoning system

The summoning system was also modified to improve the player experience.

“We’ve also made changes to the summoning system, which we’re sure everyone is keenly concerned with,” he said. “We’ve added many characters to the game since we launched, which has made it more difficult for players to obtain the units that they want. This is why we decided to change the system.”

Fujimoto proceeded to explain the new summoning system in more detail.

“There are 6 levels of rarity for units, ranging from 1 to 6 stars. 

“There are units that can evolve from 3 to 5 stars, while there are others that can evolve from 4 to 6 stars, as well as those that can evolve from 5 to 6 stars.

“Players receive units which are 3 stars or above when doing rare summons. 

“A blue crystal will yield a 3-star unit, a gold crystal will yield a 4-star unit, and a rainbow crystal will yield a 5-star unit.

“Thus far, a rainbow crystal could yield any of the following units: The 5-star version of a unit that can evolve from 3 to 5 stars, the 5 star version of a unit that can evolve from 4 to 6 stars, or the 5-star version of a unit that can evolve from 5 to 6 stars.

“After the changes, however, a rainbow crystal will only yield: the 5-star version of a unit that can evolve from 5 to 6 stars. This will make it easier for players to obtain the 5 to 6-star units that they want.”

Story and characters

Version 2.0 comes with story additions and new units.

One such unit is a character named Olive.

“She is a character that is unique to Global, and carries a massive cannon. She is good at physical attacks, and is able to debuff enemies while she attacks.”

Fujimoto added: “A new esper Odin will be added and widen the degree of customizability. Also, one new ally from the main story will be joining the party.”

In addition to the above changes, Fujimoto stated that the crafting user interface has been improved to allow players to receive hints regarding where materials they need can be gathered. There are also new trophy rewards, world maps, and more.

Fujimoto and his associates discuss the other changes in the video below.

Looking forward

The universe of “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” is ripe for expansion. Characters, worlds, and monsters from a number of “Final Fantasy” releases have already made it into the game – not to mention it’s even incorporated real-life megastars into the mix.

Case in point, “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” recently had an event revolving around American popstar Ariana Grande.

“It was an opportunity for players who had thus far had no knowledge of ‘Final Fantasy’ or never played ‘Final Fantasy Brave Exvius’ to give it a try,” said Fujimoto. “A great number of players were able to enjoy our collaboration with Ariana Grande. While the event has come to a close, we hope to run it again in the future.”

While there are currently no plans for other such collaborations, Fujimoto revealed what characteristics they are looking for in a celebrity for them to be considered for a special appearance in the game.

“We look for celebrities who share characteristics with the ‘Final Fantasy’ brand, with its grandiose worldview and spirit of taking on new challenges,” he offered.

Though “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” Version 2.0 is not directly tied to the 30th anniversary celebration of “Final Fantasy,” Fujimoto promised more surprises in the future that will commemorate this significant franchise milestone. There are also plans to bring in even more characters from other “Final Fantasy” games, such as the recently released “Final Fantasy XV.”

A Square Enix veteran

Fujimoto has been with Square Enix since 1992. His first major role was as an Assistant Producer on the Super Nintendo game “E.V.O.: Search of Eden.” He worked on several other console titles before switching to mobile game production in 2002.

“There are significant differences in creating console and mobile games,” Fujimoto said. “In particular, I feel that the points enjoyed by players will differ. However, games on both platforms will be similar in that they’re meant to entertain their players, so I was able to draw on my past experience to make mobile games.”

Some of the mobile games he’s worked on include “Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen,” “Sigma Harmonics Coda,” and “Neko Jump.” He also worked on the mobile ports of many “Final Fantasy” games, including the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth entries in the series. He even produced the portal site for Square Enix’s mobile game division.

Fujimoto was instrumental in bringing Brazilian, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Thai language options to mobile versions of the aforementioned “Final Fantasy” games. There are plans to add even more languages.

According to Fujimoto, mobile game production allows for a “rapid and direct feedback from players (through Facebook).” Being able to quickly make updates to the game in line with such feedback is, for him, one of the more rewarding aspects of his job. That he gets to do all this for players around the world is a huge bonus.

Of course, the work isn’t always easy, and he admitted it was challenging “trying to reduce time required to implement changes while at the same time maintaining the level of quality after receiving the feedback on Facebook.”

In the many years he’s been involved in the gaming industry, Fujimoto feels video games – mobile games included, of course – have drastically changed, and continue to evolve:

“I feel that game content evolves at a very rapid pace. Along with the development of game devices, we see the improvement in graphics and content, which makes it more challenging to put out new games.

“Meanwhile, the cost and time required for development have skyrocketed.

“It could be said that the risk in creating games has increased, but on the flipside, the proliferation of smartphones has created an environment where people all across the globe are potential players of our games. In other words, the market has increased exponentially. 

“As such, we’d like to continue creating games for people all around the world to enjoy.”

For more information about “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius,” visit its official Facebook page. — TJD, GMA News