 Development for Final Fantasy XII began in December 2000 and was headed by Final Fantasy Tactics director Yasumi Matsuno and Final Fantasy IX director Hiroyuki Ito . Matsuno provided the original concept and plot but was forced to bow out of his roles midway through production due to health concerns . The team was restructured as a consequence : the new directorial duo consisted of Ito and Hiroshi Minagawa , while Akitoshi Kawazu of SaGa series fame became the game 's executive producer . Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi was disappointed by Matsuno 's departure and declined to play the game beyond its introduction . 
