Naoki Hamaguchi, lead developer on the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, has outlined how he and his studio plan to balance finishing the remake trilogy with broader ambitions for the Final Fantasy franchise and new creative work.
The interview, published by Nintenderos, comes as Square Enix prepares to close out an ambitious multi-part remake of one of its flagship properties.
Background and release context
Final Fantasy VII Remake launched on PlayStation 4 on April 10, 2020, with the enhanced Intergrade edition arriving on PlayStation 5 on June 10, 2021.
The remake was later released for PC via the Epic Games Store on December 16, 2021, and became available on Steam on June 17, 2022.
Square Enix has positioned the project as a multi-entry remake series—commonly referred to as a trilogy—reimagining the original 1997 title for modern platforms.
Hamaguchi on the trilogy’s endgame and future work
In the interview, Hamaguchi said he continues to refine his vision for what the team can deliver next.
Paraphrasing his remarks: he emphasized a desire to meet fans’ expectations for greater depth in the Final Fantasy VII world and its characters while also considering how to expand the Final Fantasy brand for the next generation.
He acknowledged that, as the remake project approaches its conclusion, the studio must weigh both deepening the existing world and exploring new, distinctive experiences.
Studio leadership and ongoing commitments
Hamaguchi also noted that his responsibilities extend beyond directing: he serves as head of one of Square Enix’s internal studios.
He stated that the number of projects under his oversight is likely to grow and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering engaging experiences to players, regardless of a project’s format.
In his words, the fundamental commitment to the studio’s audience will not change.
Platform context and Square Enix’s multi-platform strategy
While Final Fantasy VII Remake’s core releases have been on PlayStation and PC, Square Enix continues to support a variety of platforms, including Nintendo Switch titles available on the eShop.
Hamaguchi’s comments indicate a measured, strategic approach as Square Enix balances finishing the remake trilogy with new development priorities and studio expansion.
Hamaguchi’s interview provides a clear signal: the studio will aim to satisfy existing fan expectations for the Final Fantasy VII saga while remaining open to creating different kinds of experiences under his leadership at Square Enix.
The interview, published by Nintenderos, comes as Square Enix prepares to close out an ambitious multi-part remake of one of its flagship properties.
Background and release context
Final Fantasy VII Remake launched on PlayStation 4 on April 10, 2020, with the enhanced Intergrade edition arriving on PlayStation 5 on June 10, 2021.
The remake was later released for PC via the Epic Games Store on December 16, 2021, and became available on Steam on June 17, 2022.
Square Enix has positioned the project as a multi-entry remake series—commonly referred to as a trilogy—reimagining the original 1997 title for modern platforms.
Hamaguchi on the trilogy’s endgame and future work
In the interview, Hamaguchi said he continues to refine his vision for what the team can deliver next.
Paraphrasing his remarks: he emphasized a desire to meet fans’ expectations for greater depth in the Final Fantasy VII world and its characters while also considering how to expand the Final Fantasy brand for the next generation.
He acknowledged that, as the remake project approaches its conclusion, the studio must weigh both deepening the existing world and exploring new, distinctive experiences.
Studio leadership and ongoing commitments
Hamaguchi also noted that his responsibilities extend beyond directing: he serves as head of one of Square Enix’s internal studios.
He stated that the number of projects under his oversight is likely to grow and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering engaging experiences to players, regardless of a project’s format.
In his words, the fundamental commitment to the studio’s audience will not change.
Platform context and Square Enix’s multi-platform strategy
While Final Fantasy VII Remake’s core releases have been on PlayStation and PC, Square Enix continues to support a variety of platforms, including Nintendo Switch titles available on the eShop.
Hamaguchi’s comments indicate a measured, strategic approach as Square Enix balances finishing the remake trilogy with new development priorities and studio expansion.
Hamaguchi’s interview provides a clear signal: the studio will aim to satisfy existing fan expectations for the Final Fantasy VII saga while remaining open to creating different kinds of experiences under his leadership at Square Enix.
