Tetsuya Nomura's Character Design Philosophy: A Simple Reason for Stunning Heroes
Tetsuya Nomura, the celebrated designer behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts characters, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive protagonist designs. In an interview with Young Jump magazine (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura traced his aesthetic choices back to a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This seemingly casual remark resonated deeply, shaping Nomura's belief that video games should offer an escape, including an escape from the mundane realities of appearance.
Nomura's design philosophy, therefore, boils down to a personal desire for appealing in-game avatars: "I want to be good-looking in games," he stated, explaining his approach to creating main characters. This isn't mere vanity; Nomura believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create characters too distinct for players to easily relate to.
However, this doesn't mean Nomura avoids eccentric designs entirely. He reserves his boldest, most outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, serves as a prime example. Similarly, the striking designs of Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII are a testament to Nomura's unrestrained creativity when it comes to villains. He emphasizes the synergy between inner and outer appearances in creating memorable antagonists: "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities."
Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits a more unrestrained approach to character design in his youth. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their unique and unconventional appearances, highlight this early creative freedom. Even so, Nomura's attention to detail, from color choices to shapes, remains a constant, shaping character personalities and enriching the game's narrative.
In conclusion, the next time you admire the striking appearance of a Nomura hero, remember the simple yet profound origin of this design philosophy – a high school classmate's desire to look cool while saving the world.
Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts
The Young Jump interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the anticipated conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He revealed his intention to bring in fresh perspectives by collaborating with new writers not previously involved in the franchise. He stated, "I only have a few years left until I retire, and it’s looking like: will I retire or will I finish the series first? However, I'm making Kingdom Hearts IV with the intention of it being a story that leads to the conclusion."
