PS boss says turn-based JRPGs are in demand

Turn-based JRPGs have never truly left the cultural landscape, demonstrating an incredible staying power in the modern gaming world. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are proving that the core mechanics of deep, tactical turn-based combat remain immensely appealing to players.

Yet, the conversation around genre labeling has been complex. Not long ago, there was advice circulated among industry heavyweights about how to market these specific titles. For instance, former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida suggested to the development team of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to avoid describing it strictly as a turn-based JRPG, fearing that such a label might cause players to lose interest.

Yoshida’s pragmatic advice was to suggest a new name for the combat system. Looking back now, the irony of that caution is palpable. Today, the debate over what constitutes a JRPG is less about strict categorization and more about recognizing the sophisticated design principles that define these exceptional experiences.

While the specific elements of gameplay might differ—with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a French development and features a unique “reactive” turn-based system—it undeniably fits the gameplay mold. The heart of the experience is the strategic depth of the encounters, regardless of where the game originates.

This shift reflects a broader trend in the industry. Developers are increasingly pitching new games with turn-based RPG-like mechanics to publishers, recognizing the universal appeal of strategic depth. It is a sign that the emphasis is moving away from rigid genre definitions toward focusing on the quality of the interactive experience itself.

Though there isn’t currently one single turn-based RPG defining the zeitgeist in the same way that Baldur’s Gate 3 or Persona 6 are setting the pace, the movement is clearly underway. With titles like Divinity confirming its turn-based structure, and Persona 6 looming on the horizon, the future of turn-based systems looks bright and increasingly defined by player engagement, not just historical labels.