Japanese site Gamer recently interviewed designer Ayumi Namae, the FFX IV artist in charge of the design of Zero. Namae said the main design concept for the NPC was to create an androgynous character. Zero’s gender was not determined during the early design stages, and therefore the development team wanted to create a “genderless” character. The interview also included new concept art for the character. (Thanks, player!)
Here is an overview of the FFX IV character concept art.
Patch 6.2 “FFXIV” introduced the concept of Zero as being “genderless” – A secret production story with the setting image?
#FF14 #FFXIV pic.twitter.com/nLc5u6v8rM
— Gamer @ Game Information (@GamerNeJp) February 17, 2023
Namae also said that the FFXIV The script team wanted Zero to look like a handsome young man with masculine features. Because Zero is a Voidsent, coming from a world of darkness, Namae said that she tried to give Zero a characteristic decadent beauty and was delighted to see players’ reaction to Zero, regarding her androgynous design.
Another design goal was for Zero to appear mysterious, which is the angle behind his tricorn. FFX IV Director-producer Naoki Yoshida requested that Zero’s design include a hat and set it apart from other hats and gear players might wear. Namae also designed Zero’s bracelet and earrings to match them. It also helped Zero stand out from the other Reapers and Voidsent. As for Zero’s face and hairstyle, Yoshida and the FFXIV the stage crew chose them.
final fantasy xiv is available immediately on PS4, PS5 and PC. Square Enix just released Death Unto Dawn: FFXIV Soundtrack on some streaming services.