- Wereld
- Buitenland
- Binnenland
- Sport nieuws
    - Voetbal nieuws
    - Formule 1 nieuws
    - Wielrennen
    - Ajax nieuws
    - Feyenoord nieuws
    - PSV nieuws
- Economie
- Wetenschap
- Showbiz/Media
- Computer nieuws
- Gaming nieuws
    - PS4 nieuws
    - Xbox One nieuws
- Hardware nieuws

Regisseur deelt hoe de snelle race uit Episode I de watersport vormgaf tijdens Lucca Comics & Games Festival 2026.

Veteran Square Enix director Yoshinori Kitase has traced the roots of one of gaming's most distinctive minigames back to a familiar sci-fi source. Speaking at the Lucca Comics & Games Festival 2026, Kitase explained how Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace helped shape Blitzball for Final Fantasy X.

Blitzball Stands Out Among Final Fantasy Minigames

Blitzball takes place inside a massive hovering sphere of water. The sport blends elements of soccer and rugby as players collide and unleash special kicks to drive a ball into a high-tech goal. Unlike many side activities in the series, it ties directly into the narrative of Final Fantasy X.

The game opens with a dramatic Blitzball sequence, and the sport serves as the profession of protagonist Tidus. Players recruit teammates from across the world and must rise to the top of the league to access powerful late-game rewards.

Kitase Draws Direct Line From Podracing to Blitzball

Kitase made the connection while discussing how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 drew from Final Fantasy. He noted that his own work on the franchise often pulled ideas from outside sources, including Star Wars.

One more example of a Star Wars influence in FF that came to my mind is from Final Fantasy X, where I had to create Blitzball for the game inside the fantasy setting. And I used an idea from Star Wars Episode I where there’s this podrace and the fact of using sport inside a fantasy context, I took this idea directly from Star Wars.

George Lucas' Racing Passion Echoes Across Franchises

Podracing itself grew from creator George Lucas's longstanding interest in motorsports and hot rod culture. The concept crossed into the Final Fantasy universe as an entirely new aquatic competition.

The connection runs both ways. Author Mike Chen deliberately referenced Blitzball in his 2022 Star Wars novel Brotherhood. Chen, a former NHL writer, confirmed the nod on social media and praised the minigame for its depth.