Getting to pull back the curtain and see behind the scenes of the design process that goes into Final Fantasy XIV is always a treat, but the latest edition of the “FFXIV Backstage Investigators” series of blogs has gone above and beyond with an in-depth showcase of the work of Mariko Higashi. The blog post featured an interview and examples of some of the stunning work of Higashi, a background concept artist for FFXIV.
Higashi, as it turns out, is responsible for some of the most iconic images of Endwalker, with the all-too-familiar loading screen of Radz-at-Han, the incredible look of Labyrinthos, and the fearsome gates of Pandæmonium being just some of her work. In the interview, more of Higashi’s credits were revealed, including the Copied Factory and the Puppets’ Bunker of YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse and the Fairy Tribal Quest location of Lyhe Mheg.
But perhaps the most exciting parts of the post were the pieces of artwork we hadn’t seen before, at least in their full appearance. For one, the incredible concept art of The Beehive in Eulmore, the dancing club, and Honey Bee Inn-inspired locale from Shadowbringers.
In the interview, conducted by FFXIV promotional team member Miyamiya, Higashi revealed that Labryinthos was one of her favorite areas, as it was the first one she’d designed. Her favorite part was the “Thaumazein’s shell-like roof and the bizarrely cute roundness of the cisterns.” They’re small details that give the high-technology of Labyrinthos a more natural look. It couldn’t have been an easy area to work on, especially as Labyrinthos was a vital part of the story, opening your adventure in the expansion and then being the place you return to as Endwalker reaches its climax.
Beyond this, there were details about Higashi’s work on designing furnishings, both for housing and the Island Sanctuary. However, for those who can’t wait for Dawntrail, there were some snippets of info about that. Higashi explained how the new graphical update had allowed the worlds to be “even more gorgeous,” going on to detail how “buildings and settlements were decorated with more “props” too. Seeing those everyday objects reminds me of the people who go about their daily lives in those places and really enhances my immersion.”
Given that Higashi was also the concept designer behind the incredible art players have seen of the new zone Urqopacha, we’re sure she’s had a hand in creating those gorgeous Dawntrail environments. And given her impressive list of credits already, we can expect even more incredible areas in the upcoming expansion.
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