Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, has expressed his commitment to delivering a physical disc option for the game, despite the broader shift towards digital distribution in the gaming industry. Hamaguchi, sharing his personal fondness for physical gaming media, highlighted his efforts to advocate for a physical release.
Push for Physical Media
Hamaguchi’s passion for physical editions stems from his childhood experiences with game purchases and a desire to own tangible copies of games he cherishes. Despite the growing digital trend, he successfully advocated within the company and with external parties to ensure Final Fantasy 7 Revelation includes a disc release when it launches in 2027.
Partial Physical Release
The upcoming release will include a “key disc” containing only the initial segments of the game, necessitating additional downloads to access the complete experience. Hamaguchi acknowledged fan frustrations at the incomplete disc offering, citing feedback such as “no disc, no purchase”. However, he clarified that the final product lineup was beyond his sole control, residing with the publishing team.
Industry Shift and Future Speculation
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on 8th April 2027. Hamaguchi anticipates that physical media will persist in some form even as the industry leans towards digital. He envisages a potential future where physical copies may simply involve a download code encased in packaging.
Changes in PlayStation Game Distribution
Sony’s recent announcement on 1st July detailed plans to cease physical disc production for PlayStation games by January 2028, marking a shift to an entirely digital availability model. Retail sales will continue, albeit without physical media.
Development and Trophies
Hamaguchi also compared the new game’s difficulty in achieving its Platinum trophy with its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Unlike the latter’s deliberately challenging Platinum acquisition, Revelation will offer a more accessible trophy hunt.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.