Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Fought to Keep Physical Discs Alive
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi fought for a physical release amid the industry's shift to digital, though the upcoming game will still require significant downloads.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi recently revealed that he pushed hard to secure a physical release for the upcoming sequel. In an interview with Radio Times, Hamaguchi shared his personal nostalgia for physical game boxes and cartridges, noting that he understands why players feel frustrated as the industry shifts away from traditional media.
Players picking up the physical version on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X when the game launches in April 2027 will still encounter a partial installation requirement. The box contains a key disc featuring just the opening content, which highlights the growing technical challenges of fitting massive modern blockbusters onto standard hardware. Hamaguchi explained that while his focus remains on game design and player experience, he used his influence to negotiate internally and with platform holders to ensure a disc option made it to shelves.
The debate over physical media is accelerating as publishers and platform holders lean heavily into digital distribution. Sony recently announced plans to end PlayStation disc production by January 2028, meaning physical retail boxes will soon transition to containing download codes rather than media. For players who value digital ownership and physical shelf displays, these compromises highlight a changing landscape where physical preservation is becoming increasingly complicated.
Beyond distribution discussions, the team has also confirmed that Revelation will feature a more accessible Platinum trophy compared to its predecessor. Fans looking to dive into the next chapter across PC, current gen consoles, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 can expect a slightly smoother road to 100 percent completion when the game arrives.
Tags: Final Fantasy, PlayStation, Xbox, Gaming News, Industry
Original article: Eurogamer