Final Fantasy VII Director Voices Support for Physical Games

Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, is championing the cause of physical game editions as the industry moves toward digital-only releases. His thoughts come as Sony plans to stop shipping discs by 2028, sparking a fan uproar.

Naoki Hamaguchi’s Concern Over Physical Game Culture

The director of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, Naoki Hamaguchi, has openly expressed his fondness for physical game copies, standing against the growing trend of digital-only releases. This stance became especially notable following Sony’s recent announcement that it plans to end disc-based game shipments starting January 2028—a move that ignited significant backlash from players around the world.

At a Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest event, Hamaguchi was asked about his personal views on physical editions. He responded with clear affection, saying, “As a gamer myself, I love them.” He added that as a game creator, there’s a unique joy when fans ask him to sign their physical copies, an emotional connection he fears might fade if physical editions disappear altogether. “It would be a real shame for that culture to disappear,” he said, though he also sees the possibility of physical games existing in different forms in the future, such as download codes sold in boxes. His wish is simple: physical games should continue to have a place in the industry both for creators and fans alike.

The Future of Final Fantasy VII’s Last Chapter

Hamaguchi’s support for physical formats isn’t just theoretical. He has previously mentioned that he’s actively pushing for a physical release of “Final Fantasy VII Revelation,” the eagerly awaited final installment of the Remake trilogy. Scheduled for spring 2027, this last chapter will be notable for releasing simultaneously across multiple platforms for the first time.

With physical copies still under discussion for this title, there’s hope among collectors and fans that they won’t lose out entirely as the digital wave continues to rise.

Xbox Game Pass and Exciting Upcoming Releases

Meanwhile, the gaming calendar has some fresh highlights. Xbox Game Pass is enhancing its lineup for August with several new additions. Notably, the open beta for “Gears of War E-Day” is available for Ultimate or PC subscribers, introducing new PvE modes designed to expand cooperative experiences and support more players than ever before.

Also launching is “Beast of Reincarnation,” a new game from Pokémon developer Game Freak, hitting the scene on day one. Indie gamers can look forward to “Date Everything,” a quirky romance simulator arriving on August 11. The sports genre will see “Cricket 26” debut on August 13, alongside “Sanda Street,” an indie factory game entering Game Preview. Other additions like “PowerWash Simulator 2” and “Grounded 2” are joining the premium tier, while titles like “Alien: Isolation Elite” and “Firewatch” leave the service on August 15.

Dave Bautista in Talks to Become Kratos

In entertainment news linked to gaming, actor Dave Bautista is reportedly in discussions to take on the role of Kratos in Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming live-action “God of War” TV series. The casting conversations follow Ryan Hurst’s exit due to a bicep injury, with production aiming to resume by fall. Bautista’s impressive physique and previous experience as Drax in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films make him a compelling choice, although concerns about his age and potential injury risks remain. Nevertheless, the production hopes to capitalize on Bautista’s readiness, as he won’t require extensive training to fit the Kratos role physically.