抄録
The present study focuses on the miraculous turnaround of Final Fantasy XIV. Deemed nearly unplayable by both
critics and users, the launch of Final Fantasy XIV was considered a failure. However, newly assigned producer and director
Naoki Yoshida carried out the unthinkable. Without imposing major restrictions, he allowed the entire team to make a quick
turnaround, transforming the project into one of the most successful MMORPG services offered by Square Enix. This study
focuses on the decision-making process and leadership behaviors of Naoki Yoshida, chronicles them, and analyzes them
using the traits of transformational leadership theory. The findings suggest that many of the decisions and behaviors he
exhibited align with characteristics associated with transformational leaders.
