Key Takeaways from Kenichi Goto’s GDC 2025 Talk

The Current Landscape

• Turn-based RPGs are experiencing a renaissance, with games like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D proving their continued popularity.
• Atlus has successfully challenged the notion that turn-based combat is outdated.

Development Challenges

1. Player Perception: Playtesters initially viewed turn-based battles as a “last resort”
2. Design Philosophy: The team refocused on making turn-based combat the core gameplay experience
3. Innovative Approach: Introduced a light action combat system that smoothly transitions into turn-based battles

Critical Insights from Kenichi Goto“I personally believe turn-based games have a long future ahead of them.”

Success Factors

• Stylish UI design
• Engaging animations
• Emotional storytelling through battle presentation
• Understanding and addressing modern player expectations

Notable Achievements

• Metaphor: ReFantazio became Atlus’s fastest-selling game of all time
• Won PC Game’s RPG of the Year in 2024
• Demonstrated that turn-based RPGs can compete with action RPGs

The Future of Turn-Based RPGs

Turn-based games are not dying—they’re evolving. By focusing on player experience, innovative design, and maintaining the genre’s core strengths, developers can keep this classic gameplay style fresh and exciting.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Review

Game Overview

Metaphor: ReFantazio represents a bold reimagining of turn-based RPG gameplay, developed by Atlus and highlighted at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025.

Battle System Innovation

Hybrid Combat Approach

• Core Mechanic: Turn-based battles remain the primary combat experience
• Unique Feature: Incorporates a light action combat system as a prelude to turn-based encounters
• Design Philosophy: Action elements exist solely to “smoothly lead the player to the heart of the game”

Development Insights

• Atlus initially explored pure action combat.
• Deliberately shifted back to turn-based mechanics after extensive playtesting.
• Addressed player perceptions about turn-based combat feeling “outdated”

Technical and Design Achievements

UI and Presentation

• Transforms traditional RPG menus from bland to dynamic
• Uses UI and animations to create an “emotional roller coaster” during battles
• Focuses on making turn-based combat visually and emotionally engaging

Player Experience

• Solved the problem of players avoiding turn-based battles
• Created a seamless transition between action and turn-based combat
• Maintained the depth of traditional RPG battle systems

Industry Impact

• Fastest-selling Atlus game to date
• Won PC Game’s RPG of the Year in 2024
• Demonstrates the continued relevance of turn-based RPGs

Key Development Philosophy

“I believe it’s possible to keep even an old-school game genre fresh by identifying what modern users want and not losing sight of what you want to achieve.” – Kenichi Goto, Lead Battle Planner

Broader Context

• Part of a renaissance of turn-based RPGs
• Stands alongside successful titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D
• Challenges the industry trend of moving towards pure action RPGs

Potential Limitations

• Specific gameplay details are limited in the source article
• Success depends on executing the hybrid combat system effectively

Conclusion

Metaphor: ReFantazio is not just a game but a statement about the enduring appeal of turn-based RPGs. It demonstrates that with innovative design and a deep understanding of player expectations, traditional gameplay mechanics can feel fresh and exciting.

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