From IGN · Michael Cripe · · 1m 10s
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director on Disc Release
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director says he did his best for physical disc version despite industry trends.
In brief
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director says he did his best for physical disc version despite industry trends. Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed a disc option for 2027 release despite industry moving toward digital-only gaming. Originally reported by IGN.
Disc Release Strategy
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed a disc option for 2027 release despite industry trends toward digital-only gaming.
“It is a very tricky subject.”
Physical Media Preference
Hamaguchi explained his childhood love for physical game editions and desire to include signed copies for colleagues.
“Personally, obviously, I bought lots of physical editions of games as a child.”
Disc Limitations
Physical owners on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S need additional downloads for full experience after disc insertion.
“It's a decision that has some fans split, but not one Hamaguchi and the team at Square Enix took lightly.”
Disc Option Details
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation offers a 'key disc' with only the opening sequence for physical media.
“He added that he understands that 'there are people out there with a lot of opinions' about the future of physical media.”
Director's Responsibility
Hamaguchi stated his role as director focuses on game content, while publishing team handles product line-up and SKUs.
“The product line-up, the SKUs (stock keeping units), how it's going on sale; that is the responsibility of the publishing team.”
Industry Context
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation releases April 8, 2027, months before PlayStation phases out physical releases for new PS5 games.
“Even after Rockstar signaled changing times when it announced a disc-less release for Grand Theft Auto 6, Sony's decision sent shockwaves through the industry.”
Future of Physical Media
Hamaguchi believes physical media will remain in some form but may become 'essentially disc-less' with digital code on paper.
“So, I can see a world in the not-too-distant future where physical media is essentially disc-less.”
What it means
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed a disc option for 2027 release despite industry moving toward digital-only gaming.
