Veteran Square Enix Director Tatsuya Kando Departs After 29 Years
2025-06-02 05:08:00Renowned game director Tatsuya Kando has announced his departure from Square Enix after nearly three decades of shaping some of the most iconic JRPGs in gaming history. Known for his work on The World Ends With You and Kingdom Hearts, Kando leaves behind a legacy that has deeply influenced fans and developers alike.
Kando's journey with Square Enix began in 1997 as a character animator for Final Fantasy 7. Over the years, he evolved into a pivotal figure, serving as an animation director for numerous Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts titles. His directorial debut came with The World Ends With You, a cult classic that showcased his creative vision. Later, he reprised his role as series director for NEO: The World Ends With You, further cementing his reputation.
In a heartfelt farewell post, Kando reflected on his time at Square Enix, expressing gratitude for the experiences and the unwavering support from fans. While he hasn’t disclosed his next career move, he assured followers that he will continue creating engaging content in the future.
The gaming community has rallied behind Kando, with fans praising his contributions to The World Ends With You and Kingdom Hearts. His work spanned nearly every entry in the Kingdom Hearts series, from mainline titles like Kingdom Hearts 3 to spin-offs such as Melody of Memory.
Kando's departure coincides with an exciting period for Square Enix, which is preparing major releases like Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake and Kingdom Hearts 4. While his absence will be felt, his influence on the company’s most storied franchises ensures his legacy endures.