After the announcement of a Monster Hunter: World and Final Fantasy XIV crossover at E3 2018, FFXIV director and producer Naoki Yoshida and Monster Hunter executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto spoke about how the seeds were planted seven years ago.
“This goes back about eight years from now, but on the day after it was decided that I would be in charge of the rebirth of Final Fantasy XIV, I had a chat with Tsujimoto-san,” Yoshida said. “He said “What are you thinking!” I told him “I’ve already decided on doing it,” so then he told me “But I wanted you to make Monster Hunter… okay, so if it doesn’t work out, then come work on Monster Hunter. If it does work out, then bring those achievements and come make Monster Hunter.” He also told me “You guys will probably do just about anything for the rebuild, and I can lend Monster Hunter’s power to help with that, so feel free to ask for anything you need.”
“Personally, those words coming from Tsujimoto-san were huge, as I was in a position of flipping over Final Fantasy XIV which was in a grave state at the time, and it was very encouraging to know that someone was there to support me,” he continued.
“However, for that reason I felt that Final Fantasy XIV needed to be able to stand head to head with Monster Hunter, otherwise it would truly just be getting help if we were to do something like a collaboration, so I told him I’ll do my best until that time comes.”