Team Asobi, the studio behind the popular Astro Bot game, has commented on the absence of Square Enix characters in their latest release. In an interview, studio head Nicolas Doucet said it was “difficult to comment on” why characters from Square Enix properties were not included. “We really respect the choice of each publisher,” Doucet stated.
He mentioned that while most partners eagerly agreed to contribute their characters, there were some notable exceptions. When asked specifically about the absence of Cloud from Final Fantasy 7 or any characters from the Nier series, Doucet reiterated his respect for each publisher’s decision. He acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity involved in incorporating characters from other companies.
Doucet also discussed the importance of balancing the inclusion of widely recognized characters with more obscure ones.
Team Asobi’s character inclusion choices
He noted that having characters that deeply resonate with a smaller group of players who have fond memories of them is valuable.
The absence of Square Enix characters has led to speculation about the current relationship between the publisher and Sony. Some fans believe Square Enix missed a prime opportunity for free promotion in a highly-rated game. Others speculate that internal decisions or financial expectations may have influenced the choice.
Despite the missing Square Enix characters, Astro Bot continues to receive updates and new content. Sony and Team Asobi recently announced a DLC featuring five new online speedrunning levels and ten additional bots to rescue. The game’s continuous evolution provides opportunities for exciting additions in the future.
While the absence of iconic characters like Cloud Strife is noticeable, fans remain hopeful for potential collaborations down the line.
