Final Fantasy Tactics Director Yasumi Matsuno Addresses Viral "Penalty for a Crime" Meme

Yasumi Matsuno, the director, writer, and game designer behind Final Fantasy Tactics, recently addressed a long-standing internet meme that's often misattributed to the game. On June 7, Matsuno posted on X/Twitter in response to a widely shared quote that many fans believed came from the title:

“I found the line that became an internet meme interesting.

‘If the penalty for a crime is a fine, then that law only exists for the lower class.’

Of course, this line was not written by me, nor is it a line in Final Fantasy Tactics. However, it certainly sounds like something I would have written.

It's a shame I didn't know about this funny line until today.”

The actual in-game dialogue that most closely aligns with the tone of the meme appears during a scene in Final Fantasy Tactics:

“What purpose do laws serve when even those who would enforce them choose not to pay them heed?”

In follow-up replies to his initial post, Matsuno humorously commented on why many players might have believed the meme was real, suggesting it could be due to their progression in the game:

“Wiegraf is very popular. I am sure it is because many players stop playing at Chapter -1.😂”

He also responded to a question about the political themes in the game, sharing his broader thoughts on how entertainment and politics relate:

"It's entertainment, so whether or not it's political, the important thing is whether or not it's entertaining. Each FF installment has many fans. That means they are supported as entertainment. I think it would be absurd to use the presence or absence of political elements as a yardstick here.

Of course, individuals may have their own preferences. Those preferences should be respected.

Hopefully, even if someone has an opinion that differs from yours, you will acknowledge and respect that person instead of disliking them. It will come back to you in the end.

Thank you.”

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