The intricate and sprawling narrative of the Kingdom Hearts series has necessitated the creation of a dedicated loremaster role within Square Enix, according to series creator Tetsuya Nomura. This individual is responsible for ensuring the continuity and cohesiveness of the plot across the franchise's extensive 13-game lineup.
Nomura detailed this role in an interview with Famitsu, explaining that as the series has grown, so too has the complexity of its story and the number of involved characters. This complexity extends to external collaborators, such as Disney, who require clear explanations of the ongoing narrative. The loremaster, identified as a staff member who meticulously organized the lore for the 'χ series,' compiles and clarifies past story elements, characters, and settings, often using visual diagrams to aid understanding.
This role became particularly crucial during the development of Kingdom Hearts IV, with Disney requesting compiled materials to ensure a shared understanding of the overarching story. The loremaster's duties include proofreading scripts to identify and rectify any inconsistencies with established lore, a task that Nomura emphasized is distinct from narrative composition. He noted the individual's suitability for the project, given the deep connection to the 'χ series,' which primarily comprised web browser and mobile titles.
Despite the narrative's famously convoluted nature, Nomura assured that the personalities from the 'χ series' will be depicted within Kingdom Hearts IV, even for players who may not have experienced the smartphone versions. This narrative management effort underscores the ambitious scope of the Kingdom Hearts saga, which continues to expand with new installments and related media.