Naoki Hamaguchi, the game director best known for Final Fantasy VII Remake, told Game Informer that once his current work on the recently revealed Final Fantasy VII: Revelation finishes, he expects his next personal project will likely be a Japanese role-playing game.
Hamaguchi led development on Final Fantasy VII Remake, which launched on PlayStation 4 on April 10, 2020 and later received the PlayStation 5 upgrade Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on June 10, 2021.
The broader Remake project expanded with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on February 29, 2024 as part of a multi-part reimagining of the original 1997 title from Square Enix.
In the interview, Hamaguchi made clear he intends to pursue another JRPG as his next creative challenge.
Paraphrased for clarity: Hamaguchi said he anticipates his next work will be a JRPG, and while that project could be another entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, it might also be an entirely different intellectual property—either option would be an exciting challenge he hopes fans will look forward to.
He emphasized Square Enix’s capacity to deliver large-scale RPGs that resonate globally.
Square Enix’s record with major RPGs underpins Hamaguchi’s comment: the company has repeatedly developed and published expansive role-playing titles across PlayStation consoles, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
The Final Fantasy series itself has been a cornerstone of the studio’s output since the franchise’s debut in 1987, and the Remake project represents one of Square Enix’s most prominent multi-part productions in recent years.
For industry watchers, Hamaguchi’s statement is notable because it frames his post-Revelation ambitions without committing to a specific franchise or platform.
The director’s experience helming the Remake project and overseeing a high-profile, technically ambitious production gives weight to his intention to return to the JRPG form.
Game Informer’s interview is the primary source for Hamaguchi’s remarks on his future plans.
As development on Final Fantasy VII: Revelation proceeds, fans and developers alike will watch for official announcements from Square Enix about Hamaguchi’s next formal assignment, whether that remains within Final Fantasy or expands into new territory.
Hamaguchi led development on Final Fantasy VII Remake, which launched on PlayStation 4 on April 10, 2020 and later received the PlayStation 5 upgrade Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on June 10, 2021.
The broader Remake project expanded with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on February 29, 2024 as part of a multi-part reimagining of the original 1997 title from Square Enix.
In the interview, Hamaguchi made clear he intends to pursue another JRPG as his next creative challenge.
Paraphrased for clarity: Hamaguchi said he anticipates his next work will be a JRPG, and while that project could be another entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, it might also be an entirely different intellectual property—either option would be an exciting challenge he hopes fans will look forward to.
He emphasized Square Enix’s capacity to deliver large-scale RPGs that resonate globally.
Square Enix’s record with major RPGs underpins Hamaguchi’s comment: the company has repeatedly developed and published expansive role-playing titles across PlayStation consoles, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
The Final Fantasy series itself has been a cornerstone of the studio’s output since the franchise’s debut in 1987, and the Remake project represents one of Square Enix’s most prominent multi-part productions in recent years.
For industry watchers, Hamaguchi’s statement is notable because it frames his post-Revelation ambitions without committing to a specific franchise or platform.
The director’s experience helming the Remake project and overseeing a high-profile, technically ambitious production gives weight to his intention to return to the JRPG form.
Game Informer’s interview is the primary source for Hamaguchi’s remarks on his future plans.
As development on Final Fantasy VII: Revelation proceeds, fans and developers alike will watch for official announcements from Square Enix about Hamaguchi’s next formal assignment, whether that remains within Final Fantasy or expands into new territory.