Development for "Final Fantasy XII" began in December 2000 and was headed by "Final Fantasy Tactics" director Yasumi Matsuno and "Final Fantasy IX" director Hiroyuki Ito. Matsuno provided the original concept and plot but was forced to bow out a year before release due to health concerns. The team was restructured as a consequence: the new directorial duo consisted of Ito and Hiroshi Minagawa, while Akitoshi Kawazu of "SaGa" series fame became the game's executive producer. Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi was disappointed by Matsuno's departure and declined to play the game beyond its introduction.