SaGa Creator Prefers Players to Quit Over Difficulty Than Be Bored

The SaGa series, one of Square Enix’s longest-running JRPG franchises, has always been known for its high level of challenge and complex mechanics. But that challenge isn’t just a coincidence — it’s part of a clear philosophy from the series’ creator, Akitoshi Kawazu.

SaGa Creator Prefers Players to Quit Over Difficulty Than Be Bored

In a recent interview with Denfaminicogamer, Kawazu shared his unique approach to difficulty in games. Rather than aiming for accessibility, he sees challenge as essential to growth — both in games and in life.

“I believe that helping someone grow requires presenting challenges that lie between giving up and getting bored,” Kawazu said.

However, he’s not trying to find a perfect middle ground. Instead, if he has to choose between making a game too hard or too boring, he’ll always choose difficulty.

“I don’t want players saying ‘This is too easy and boring, I’m done.’ So I crank up the challenge to prevent that,” he explained.

A Bold Take on Game Design Philosophy

Kawazu’s stance is unusual in a market that increasingly offers “easy modes” and accessibility options. He’s firmly against adding an “easy” difficulty setting to his games, both as a developer and a gamer.

“I’d never choose to play on easy. It feels like the developers are calling you out, like ‘Oh, so you picked easy, huh?’ I hate that.”

For Kawazu, SaGa’s difficulty isn’t just about tough enemies — it’s about mastering complex systems, formations, and battle strategies. Learning the rules is part of the experience.

Fair Challenge or Frustration?

Bosses in the SaGa games are designed to be fair and beatable through smart play. However, random enemies can still take players by surprise — a design choice that adds tension and excitement to the journey.

Fans are divided on this approach. In today’s gaming world, does high difficulty still have a place? For Kawazu, the answer is yes — as long as players are challenged and rewarded through growth and accomplishment.

via Você Sabia Anime