With the impending release of ‘Final Fantasy VII: Revelation’ in spring 2027, marking the culmination of over a decade of work for director Naoki Hamaguchi, the creative force behind the entire trilogy (Remake, Rebirth, and Revelation), his focus is shifting. Having dedicated a significant portion of his career to the saga of Cloud, Sephiroth, and their companions, it’s understandable that Hamaguchi is looking towards a break from remakes for his next endeavor.
In an interview with Game Informer, Hamaguchi revealed his inclinations for his subsequent project. He indicated a preference for avoiding remakes and expressed a strong likelihood of developing another JRPG at Square Enix, not ruling out the possibility of staying within the broader Final Fantasy universe.
“Right now, my entire focus is on finalizing FFVII: Revelation and ensuring we deliver the FFVII: Remake series in perfect condition, so that’s where I am at present. Simultaneously, I see many fans and community members asking me to take the reins on a [hypothetical] FFVI remake. I see a lot of discussion about this online, but you know, for a Final Fantasy VI: Remake or any other remake, it could be me, or it could be someone else. Personally, I think it might be in better hands if it returned to another creator at Square Enix. As for what I personally want to do, obviously, I think my next creative project will also be a JRPG. When you look at all the other titles we’ve released at Square Enix, not just the FFVII: Remake series, I think Square Enix, as a brand and as a company, is fully capable of delivering that large-scale RPG that could resonate with players worldwide. Fans may have very varied expectations, but for my part, I really want to take on this new challenge with another RPG after this one, whether it’s a Final Fantasy or another franchise. Again, we don’t know yet. But personally, if it’s not Final Fantasy, I’m happy about that too, because it could be a challenge for me. So, whatever it is, I hope fans will look forward to it.”
Devoting roughly 12 years to a single project is, to say the least, an admirable feat. Therefore, hearing Hamaguchi express a desire to explore something different in the near future is not entirely surprising. Given the near-limitless potential of the Final Fantasy universe, the question remains: would you prefer Hamaguchi to remain within the JRPG realm or venture into something more original?