Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the latest entry in Marvelous’ cozy RPG series, but its director, Shiro Maekawa, already has his eyes set on what the franchise could eventually become. In a recent interview, he outlined an ambitious vision for the series’ future while acknowledging the challenges that stand in the way.
A Game You Can Live in Forever
Maekawa described his ultimate goal for the franchise as creating a Rune Factory game that players can “keep living in forever.” This statement captures the series’ ongoing evolution from a traditional farming sim RPG into something more expansive—a digital world designed for long-term immersion. It suggests a direction where Rune Factory could blur the line between role-playing game and lifestyle simulator.
Aspirations Versus Reality
Even as he shared his dream for the series, Maekawa tempered expectations with caution. He admitted, “whether we can actually pull it off is a completely different story.” This candid acknowledgment highlights the gap between creative ambition and the technical and resource constraints of game development. Building a persistent, ever-expanding world would demand far more than what most cozy RPGs currently attempt.
What This Means for Fans
For players, Maekawa’s comments offer a glimpse into the franchise’s long-term trajectory. Guardians of Azuma already takes a step toward broadening Rune Factory’s scope with expanded exploration and systems, but the “final form” described by Maekawa is something much larger. While it may not happen soon, the idea resonates strongly with fans who already cherish Rune Factory as a game they return to year after year.
Looking Ahead
The director’s vision doesn’t guarantee a concrete plan for the next installment, but it sparks an intriguing discussion about where cozy RPGs might be headed. If Rune Factory ever reaches the point of being a world players can inhabit indefinitely, it could redefine not just the franchise, but the genre as a whole.