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Final Fantasy XIV's Yoshi-P Reveals the Anime, Movies, and Games That Have Influenced Him the Most

During Anime Expo 2025, Final Fantasy XIV/Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida (known affectionately as Yoshi-P by fans) hosted a panel to reveal what his biggest influences were growing up. These included everything from TV shows and anime to movies and video games. He broke down his panel into 7 different segments, going from his early childhood up until the present day.

Born in May 1973, Yoshida started his career at Hudson Soft in 1993, a studio known for various titles like Bomber Man and Challenger. He said that his first real experience as a game developer was with Far East of Eden III: Namida. He created all of the town dialogue and event scripts.

Unfortunately, it was canceled for various reasons—only for Hudson Soft later release it for PS2 in 2005. Yoshida's first project as a director was Bomberman 64: The Second Attack. He worked on the story mode, scripted all events, created all scenarios and designs, and wrote all in-game messages. Yoshida also mentioned that he gained 40 lbs due to working on this game.

In 1996, Yoshida discovered Diablo and became hooked with online gaming. He joked how if he wasn't at work, he'd be playing Diablo at home. Eventually, he discovered Ultimate Online in 1997, and that replaced Diablo in his gaming routine.

In 2005, Yoshida joined Square Enix and has since produced games like Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy XVI, Dragon Quest Builders, and Dragon Quest X.

Yoshida then went into his childhood influences—particularly about the anime he grew up watching. They included Combattler V, Vampire Hunter D, Space Battleship Yamato, Laputa and Galaxy Express 999. As an adult, he was inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion and One Piece. He also provided examples of how Berserk and Mobile Suit Gundam impacted his work—especially in regards to Final Fantasy XIV where you can see character poses that make homage to his influences.

On the tokusatsu side of things, he mentioned that Kamen Rider, Garo and Ultraman were big influences on him as well. As for games, he loved Street Fighter II, Commando, and Gradius. In terms of movies Yoshida was inspired by, he cited ET, Rocky 2, Lethal Weapon 2, The Goonies, Rambo, and Back to the Future—as well as Christopher Nolan's films.

To wrap things up, Yoshida ended his panel by requesting that people preorder Final Fantasy Tactics: the Ivalice Chronicles, which is due out on September 30.