Some of these names, such as concept artist Kazuya Takahashi and designer Kazutoyo Maehiro, have moved to much less significant credited roles or even to special thanks in later FF14 expansions, suggesting they have moved on to a new project. Some have directorial experience, such as Hiroshi Takai, who worked on Yoshida's FF14 but directed 2008's The Last Remnant. This sort of promotion wouldn't be unusual at Square Enix, such as how FF7, 8 and 10 director Yoshinori Kitase turned producer on FF13 and FF7 Remake, handing directorial duties over to other staff who had previously worked under him.
Alternatively, Yoshida's new game could be something else entirely. Time will well, but we now know one thing for sure: when Final Fantasy XVI emerges, Naoki Yoshida will not be the game's main director.