For anyone that's interested, someone on the FFXV forums began translating the 4gamer interview here:
https://forum.finalfantasyxv.com/discussion/1698/new-4gamer-interview#latest
4Gamer+:
In regards to this talk, it was something that was set up from the 'Love call from Harada'. How did you two first meet, what are the details?
Tabata:
In the FFXV development team, there is a Senior Planner who was once a member of the Tekken team. He is an interesting person and he wanted me and Harada-san to meet apparently. And so he set up a dinner meeting and since then I became acquaintances with Harada-san.
Harada:
Although, at that time I actually didn't know who was even coming. I was like 'What the heck is this meeting for? *laughs*
Tabata:
That's right *laughs*
4Gamer:
So meeting Tabata for the first time, is that when you thought 'This man is amazing!'?
Harada:
I did have some expectations like that, but it was a little different. As you work for a long time in this industry, no matter who the creator is, when you meet them you can see what sort of abilities they possess. For example, 'He has an amazing sense' or 'He has a frightening perfectionist personality'. But what I felt when talking to Tabata-san... to say the least, he was not a Final Fantasy-esque person *laughs* (Shots fired?)
4Gamer:
Speaking of Final Fantasy people... of course someone like Nomura Tetsuya-san?
Harada:
No, I'm not exactly speaking of specific individuals. But speaking of FF team leaders, I think they have a 'Dainty and stylish sense' kind of image. But I didn't see any of that from this person. He isn't even like Ono-san (Capcom) who is a rigid ideological type, nor is he a super-otaku type creator like certain Western creators. If I must say, he looks like someone who would make boring sloppy games. (Shots fired...!)
Tabata:
In other words, even though this guy is making FF, this guy ain't dainty at all *laughs*
Harada:
Even so, among FF fans, I think there are many people who feel the same way that I do. Like 'Where did this guy come from? Why is he leading a monster title like FF?' and 'Is it really okay to let him handle this?'. Today, knowing how impolite this is, I came here wanting to clarify this topic.
Tabata:
Actually, Harada-san asked me that question before, 'What are your abilities?'. Although I wasn't able to reply at that time, I came properly prepared this time *laughs*. I am, very good at creating powerful organization structures.
Harada:
... ...So, was this your specialty from the start? Like during your high school days?
Tabata:
No, it was after I entered the industry.
It's often a problem, where human bonds can obstruct the teams performance. The chain of command can be bottle-necked through bad directives or from the mixing of new employees. Finding factors like these, not giving in and relentlessly improving these conditions you can enhance your organizational capabilities. From this it makes it possible to challenge new advanced goals. This kind of cycle, is what makes me very excited.
Harada:
I see. So that's your ability that was highly valued and why you were chosen (selected promotion) to lead the team.
Tabata:
Though it didn't really feel like I was selected. But as a result of continuously building exceptional teams, a game that couldn't be made at SE was made possible. And so, I think I was entrusted to reforming and the set of FF.
Harada:
Was there no oppositions and backlash? Reforming a game like FF with much history behind it, I would be certain there would be some backlash.
Tabata:
That, there was. Not just from the team, but from other divisions too. Because, if the the results come out from my method of doing things, there would be inconvenience for some other people *laughs* (Shots fired from Tabata at SE...?). But the opposition to this wasn't something that was strongly resisted. If we look at the state of Japan, you can no longer maintain the status quo anymore. If it was 10 years ago, it was obvious that you had to bow before the world. So in that sense, I consider myself very lucky.
Harada:
So the current state of the industry supported you. Then you also felt no pressure from becoming the Director for FF?
Tabata:
Mostly not.
Harada:
... ... I sorta can't believe it. I mean come on, it's FF right? Normally if we talk about FF developers, they wouldn't waltz in with a dull t-shirt and jeans like this... they would wear snappy business shirts and dazzle you by illuminating bright shining light from their faces! (Shotguns fired...)
Tabata:
Isn't that a bit too specific? *laughs*
Harada:
No, I'm not making light of this. On a serious note, I'm sure there are a lot of people who wish for that. Among the fans and even within Square Enix. To destroy this image, was there really no opposition?
Tabata:
None. I'm not saying this as a bluff.
Harada:
Though this is the image I have, FF has a 'This is cool, so this is what it means to be stylish' kind of a certain sense of beauty that is then presented to the users. At the same time, there was no communication with the community, taking feedback and sorts right?
Tabata:
Yes, that's right. Before it was sorta like a 'Fans! Wait until we finish our wonderful game!' kind of attitude. *laughs*
