Director Naoki Hamaguchi Discusses Physical Media for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the anticipated game Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, addressed the growing concerns among fans regarding the availability of a full disc version of the game. In a recent interview with Radio Times, Hamaguchi expressed his commitment to advocating for physical media amidst the gaming industry’s shift towards digital formats.
Hamaguchi’s Affection for Physical Media
Reflecting on his own childhood experiences, Hamaguchi shared that he has a deep appreciation for physical game copies. He recounted, “Personally, obviously, I bought lots of physical editions of games as a child.” He noted that while he occasionally opts for digital versions, his preference lies with physical copies for titles he holds in high regard. “If I’m particularly attached to a title, I want to get the physical version,” he added, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the topic in recent months.
Concessions with Future Releases
Scheduled for release on April 8, 2027, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will offer a disc option for players on PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, it’s important to note that the disc will only contain the game’s initial segment, requiring players to download a substantial portion of the game separately. Hamaguchi acknowledged, “I understand why some fans have said ‘no disc, no purchase’.”
Challenges in Game Development
As director, Hamaguchi emphasizes his role in ensuring the game’s enjoyment and excitement, stating, “It is my responsibility to look after the content of the game.” Nevertheless, he mentioned that decisions regarding the product lineup and sales strategies fall primarily into the realm of the publishing team, limiting his influence in these matters.
Negotiations for a Disc Version
Despite the challenges, Hamaguchi revealed he made every effort to advocate for a physical release. This included substantial discussions both within the development team and with external partners, ultimately leading to the decision to include a single disc with the game. “I completely understand there are those out there who may not really agree with that direction,” he noted, reinforcing his empathy toward fans’ concerns.
The Future of Physical Media
Looking ahead, Hamaguchi expressed optimism about the future of physical media, asserting that he expects it to persist in some capacity. He acknowledged, however, that digital sales, particularly on PC, have been on the rise, leading to a potential future where physical product offerings may be reduced to little more than a code within a box. He cited Sony’s recent announcement to cease production of physical discs for PlayStation games by January 2028 as a significant industry shift.
Game Completion Challenges
In a closing note regarding game difficulty, Hamaguchi shared that the Platinum trophy in Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will be more accessible compared to its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which was intentionally designed to be a more challenging achievement.
As the gaming community awaits the release, the discussions surrounding the physical version of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation highlight the ongoing balancing act between technological advancement and consumer preferences.
