Yasumi Matsuno, designer of Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics, announced via Twitter that, effective last month, he has parted ways with Level-5.
Matsuno’s departure comes after a mere 16 months with the company, to begin work on a new project.
“With my work done on the domestic and overseas version of my latest 3DSWare game [Guild 01: Crimson Shroud], it was good timing for me to step down and take a short break in order to recharge for my next project.
“My deepest thanks to everyone at Level-5 and everyone playing our games for your continued support.”
Level-5 is the developer of the Professor Layton series and the upcoming RPG Ni No Kuni.

Level-5’s Japanese exclusive DS RPG, Ni No Kuni
Matsuno has the rare honor of having two games he’s designed receive a perfect score from Famitsu magazine. Both Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy XII received a perfect 40/40 score from the Japanese publication.
When asked via Twitter what his next project might be, Matsuno opted to remain coy. “sorry, it’s a secret… ” he tweeted.