Final Fantasy VII Remake's highly anticipated third installment has reached a significant milestone: its main storyline is complete! Directors Hamaguchi and producer Kitase confirmed this positive development in a recent interview, assuring fans that the project remains on schedule.
Development Progressing Smoothly: No Delays Expected
In a Famitsu interview coinciding with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's PC release, producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that development of the third game is progressing without setbacks. Hamaguchi emphasized the team's efficient workflow, starting immediately after completing Rebirth. He stated, "We are progressing without any delay from the schedule we planned when we launched the remake project, so we hope you will look forward to it."
Kitase further clarified previous statements about the third game's narrative. While he'd earlier mentioned completion of the main scenario, he now confirms its finalization and expressed satisfaction with the result. He described the process of delivering the story to creative director Tetsuya Nomura, emphasizing the goal of creating a satisfying conclusion that builds upon the original while respecting its legacy.
Initial Concerns About Rebirth's Reception
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's successful launch in early 2024 garnered widespread critical acclaim. However, Kitase and Hamaguchi admitted to initial anxieties about player reception, particularly given the success of the first game. Kitase stated, "I was worried about how it would resonate with players and game fans because it was a remake and the second in a trilogy," but ultimately, the positive response boosted team morale and confidence for the final installment.
Hamaguchi highlighted the team's "logic-based approach" to development, explaining that while they consider feedback from staff and beta testing, priorities are carefully considered. As reported by Automaton, suggestions are evaluated based on whether they enhance the core goals, rather than simply representing alternative preferences.
The Rise of PC Gaming
The developers also discussed the growing prominence of PC gaming. Kitase acknowledged the industry trend and the rising development costs, emphasizing the need to reach a broader market. He noted the limitations of console distribution in certain regions, contrasting it with the global accessibility of PCs. He stated, "As for PCs, there are no borders, so I think it's inevitable that PC versions will be released in order to allow more people to play."
Hamaguchi highlighted the team's swift development of the Rebirth PC port, attributing it to the changing landscape of gaming consumption. This experience informs their approach to the final game, suggesting a potential for faster PC release compared to previous installments.
The Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy's conclusion promises to be a highly anticipated event. With the main story complete and development progressing smoothly, fans can look forward to a satisfying end to Cloud's journey, potentially available on PC sooner than expected.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is available now on PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5. Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC (Steam).
