'I Did My Best' — Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Responds to Fans Asking for Full Disc Version
Naoki Hamaguchi said he did his best to fight for a disc release as the industry heads toward a "future where physical media is essentially disc-less." The lead developer in charge of next year's new remake chapter opened up about the state of gaming during an interview with Radio Times. It's a topic he's touched on before, but this time, he explained how his own appreciation for physical media led him to push for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation to get at least one disc as the industry speeds toward an all-digital future.
"Personally, obviously, I bought lots of physical editions of games as a child. Sometimes I buy digital editions of games, but if I'm particularly attached to a title, I want to get the physical version," Hamaguchi said, noting how the topic of a fully digital future has become "particularly sensitive" in recent months.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is confirmed to have a disc option when it launches in 2027, but there are some caveats. When physical owners on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, for example, pop their discs in, they should know the full experience will require an additional download – and a hefty one at that.
"First of all, I've got people saying to me on social media, 'Give us a full disc version!' And so, from an overall perspective, let me first say that as the director, it's my responsibility to look after the content of the game to make sure it's fun, really exciting," he said. Then, smiling, he added, "The product line-up, the SKUs (stock keeping units), how it's going on sale; that is the responsibility of the publishing team. So, my authority there is somewhat limited." Despite the "pressure" for disc-less editions and digital editions, Hamaguchi said he "used my position to put forth an argument for the physical version as much as possible." That resulted in negotiations, "both internally and with first parties," leading to Final Fantasy 7 Revelation's one-disc strategy. He added, "I completely understand there are those out there who may not really agree with that direction or approve of that direction," but it's what he fought for, and it's the best result he could conjure.
"But I would just say that I hope you understand that I completely see where you're coming from, and that I did my best." He added with a laugh, "It is a very tricky subject."