Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Addresses Demand for Full Disc Version
- Director Naoki Hamaguchi confirms limited physical media for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation.
- The game will launch with a “key disc” on April 8, 2027, but extensive downloads will be necessary.
- Sony will stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games starting January 2028.
Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, has responded to fans’ requests for a full disc version of the game, revealing he “did [his] best” to advocate for physical copies as the gaming industry transitions to a digital format.
In an interview with Radio Times, reported by IGN, Hamaguchi expressed his personal attachment to physical media, recalling his childhood experiences of purchasing games and wanting peers in the industry to sign copies of their work.
“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,” he stated, emphasizing that the matter has become “particularly sensitive” in recent months.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is set to include a disc option upon its release on April 8, 2027. However, players on PS5 and Xbox Series X will still need to download a considerable portion of the game to access the full experience.
Hamaguchi clarified that the included disc will be a “key disc” featuring only the game’s introductory content, acknowledging the frustration from fans who have declared “no disc, no purchase.”
“As the director, it’s my responsibility to look after the content of the game to make sure it’s fun, really exciting,” he commented. He noted that decisions regarding product distribution fall under the publishing team’s jurisdiction, which limits his authority in that area.
Despite these constraints, Hamaguchi mentioned he leveraged his position to advocate for a physical release, resulting in negotiations that led to the decision to offer a one-disc version of the game.
“I completely understand there are those out there who may not really agree with that direction,” he added. “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. It is a very tricky subject.”
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will launch on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and Hamaguchi indicated he believes that “physical media will remain in some form going forward.” He also foresaw a potential future where physical media could transition to just a code inside the packaging.
Sony announced on July 1, 2023, that it will cease production of physical discs for PlayStation titles beginning in January 2028, after which games will only be available digitally, although they will still be sold at retail without physical discs.
While obtaining the Platinum trophy in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was described as “difficult” by design, Hamaguchi disclosed that the sequel Revelation will feature a Platinum trophy that is “easier to get.”
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
