Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi has revealed that he pushed hard to secure a physical disc version of the upcoming sequel, Final Fantasy VII Revelation, even as the gaming industry accelerates toward an all-digital future. Speaking in a new interview with the Radio Times ahead of the game’s April 2027 launch, Hamaguchi explained how his personal attachment to physical media drove him to negotiate for at least one disc on the title, acknowledging that the compromise he achieved has left passionate fans divided.
The lead developer behind next year’s new remake chapter opened up about the state of gaming during the conversation. While it is a topic Hamaguchi has touched on before, this time he explained in greater detail how his own appreciation for physical editions led him to push for Final Fantasy VII Revelation to receive at least one disc as the industry speeds toward an all-digital horizon.
A Personal Attachment to Physical Media
“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. He added that being inside the industry sometimes prompts him to ask friends and acquaintances who have worked on something to sign a copy of their own game.
“I do really like and appreciate physical media,” he continued. “I see a lot of people on social media saying, ‘No disc, no purchase,’ and I understand where they’re coming from.” Final Fantasy VII Revelation is confirmed to have a disc option when it launches in 2027, though there are some caveats. Physical owners on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X who pop their discs in should know the full experience will require an additional download, one that is hefty at that. It is a decision that has split some fans but was not taken lightly by Hamaguchi and the team at Square Enix.
“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.” 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.”
Naoki Hamaguchi, Director of Final Fantasy VII Revelation
Fighting for a Disc Compromise
Hamaguchi acknowledged that Final Fantasy VII Revelation does have a disc alternative for those who want it, even if it is just a “key disc” that only contains “the opening.” He added that he understands there are people out there with a lot of opinions about the future of physical media and shared a message to those who feel most passionately about the issue.
Despite the pressure for disc-less 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 VII Revelation’s one-disc strategy. He added that he completely understands there are those who may not agree with or approve of that direction, but it is what he fought for and the best result he could conjure.
“I completely understand there are those out there who may not really agree with that direction or approve of that direction,” he said. “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.”
A Changing Landscape for Physical Games
Final Fantasy VII Revelation will release with a disc when it launches for PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on April 8, 2027. Although its launch strategy has not pleased everyone, the date means it will arrive 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.
Gaming fans have expected an all-digital future to arrive at some point, but it seems to be coming sooner than most anticipated. Elsewhere in the interview, Hamaguchi said he thinks “physical media will remain in some form going forward,” though it is impossible to deny that change is approaching.
“But the PC market, for example, is going from strength to strength, and lots of people already purchase digital copies of games and just download them. So, I can see a world in the not-too-distant future where physical media is essentially disc-less. You would have a copy of the code on a piece of paper inside the physical box or something like that.”
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