Find out more about the story writing process of Xenoblade Chronicles 2

All set to embark on an epic journey to find Elysium? The next big Nintendo Switch adventure, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, arrives December 1st. Before you dive into the sprawling world of Alrest, you can learn all about the game's writing process from scriptwriter Yuichiro Takeda, and find out which scenario is his favourite!

Here's what Mr Takeda had to say:

Hi everyone, nice to meet you! …Or perhaps I should be saying thank you for your continued support!

I’m Yuichiro Takeda. I worked as a screenwriter on Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles X, and continued in that role for Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

If I were to introduce Xenoblade Chronicles 2 from my perspective as part of the scenario team, I would say that this story has the most director Tetsuya Takahashi flair to date.

For this script, director Takahashi provided us with a rich plot right from the start, and Kazuho Hyodo and I split the writing in half. I worked on the even numbered chapters while Mr Hyodo worked on the odd numbered chapters.

At the same time, Takahashi was writing the whole story himself. Then, the three of us all came together when we had our scripts. We built the script by leveraging our unique personalities and adding in corrections and revisions from Takahashi. This is very similar to the screenplay technique used for movies.

I think that the story of this game will be the ultimate experience for fans of Takahashi. But that’s not to say that I was cutting corners on my end! While writing the screenplay, I was able to dive into the world of Alrest thanks to Masatsugu Saito, who kept designing more and more interesting characters.

My personal favourite is the story about Tora and Poppi in Chapter 4. I love robots and I feel like this story fully reflects my infatuation with the Nopon. I hope that you all like it too.

Though this is always the case, the screenplay was completed years before the game was released, so by the time I actually get to play it, I'll embark on the adventure just like every other fan.

I can’t wait to explore Alrest with all of you very soon!

Thank you, Mr Takeda!

Want to know more? Check out the official Xenoblade Chronicles 2 website and keep your eyes peeled closer to launch for even more information!

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will be available in shops and as a downloadable version from Nintendo eShop December 1st 2017, only on Nintendo Switch. On the same day, Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Collector’s Edition* and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Edition will be released.

*Please check with your local retailer for information on current availability.