Naoki Hamaguchi - Softonic English

The most hated character from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will return for the third part

The remake of Final Fantasy VII has delighted the audience. Loved by both veteran fans and new fans, it seems that the general opinion is that it masterfully expands the mechanics of the original game while better developing its narrative. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some drawbacks. The open world of its second part, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, became tiresome for quite a few people. And in particular, one character did not sit well with many people. His name is Chadley, and you’d better learn to love him. An unpopular character The reason is that Naoki Hamaguchi, director of […]

The remake of Final Fantasy VII has delighted the audience. Loved by veteran fans and new fans alike, the general opinion seems to be that it masterfully expands the mechanics of the original game while better developing its narrative. That said, there are some drawbacks. The open world of its second part, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, became tiresome for quite a few people. And in particular, one character did not sit well with many. His name is Chadley, and you’d better learn to love him.

An Unpopular Character

The reason is that Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, has emphasized that Chadley will have a very important role in the third part of the remake. Stating that “his intense curiosity and tendency to perhaps talk too much —traits of which he is aware and at least somewhat self-aware— will be explored in more detail in the third installment, too,” he has pointed out exactly the reasons why people do not like the character: he is very intense and disruptive.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his fans. As Hamaguchi himself has stated, “we understand that many fans have affection for Chadley,” “but he also wanted to emphasize that it would make me happy if players could warmly follow how Chadley is involved in this story and what role he plays in sustaining it.” Demonstrating self-awareness of all those who are not precisely fans of the character.

In the absence of a date, or even a name, for this third part of the remake, this is practically the only information we have about it. With rumors suggesting that there could be information at the upcoming Summer Game Fest, it is only a matter of time before Square Enix decides to give us more information about the conclusion of the remake of one of the most beloved games in history.

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The director of Final Fantasy VII Remake is clear: young people do not connect with Final Fantasy

At Square Enix, they have a problem: Final Fantasy no longer connects with young people. A franchise historically known for connecting with teenagers and young adults is having trouble reaching its target audience. This is evidenced by the latest data from Circana, which states that 70% of players who bought Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in the United States were over 30 years old. Naoki Hamaguchi, the game’s director, claims to be “very aware of the need to consider how we can expand the potential of the Final Fantasy franchise as a whole for the next generation” and that at Square […]

At Square Enix, they have a problem: Final Fantasy no longer connects with young people. A franchise historically known for connecting with teenagers and young adults is struggling to reach its target audience.

Something that is demonstrated by the latest data from Circana, which states that 70% of players who bought Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in the United States were over 30 years old.

Naoki Hamaguchi, the game director, claims to be “very aware of the need to consider how we can expand the potential of the Final Fantasy franchise as a whole for the next generation” and that at Square Enix, when they finish the trilogy of Final Fantasy VII remakes, they want to “think about that expansion towards new audiences“.

On the other hand, this is not a new occurrence among the important leaders in the company. The director of Final Fantasy XIV and producer of Final Fantasy XVI, Naoki Yoshida, has also said something similar in the past. Stating that “the release intervals have stretched so much that some players simply have not had the chance to connect with the series as veteran fans did,” he believes that one of the reasons younger audiences connected with Final Fantasy was its fast release pace.

The numbers fit and do not add up

The data holds up. Between Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy X, the peak of the franchise’s popularity, seven years passed. Between Final Fantasy XII, XIII, XV, and XVI, seventeen years have passed. A whole lifetime for any child, teenager, or young adult.

For this reason, while it is impossible to prove that this is the cause of the franchise’s lack of popularity among young people, it seems to be a likely cause. Whether Square Enix will intervene on this, making more games faster or in another way, remains to be seen. Especially when Final Fantasy XVI, the latest game in the franchise, is from 2023 and a new installment has not yet been announced.

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The sequel to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be released simultaneously on various platforms

Square Enix has made a significant shift towards the development of multiplatform games, opening the doors to greater accessibility for its most iconic titles. After several years of exclusives for specific consoles, the company has decided to release its games on various platforms, including PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S. This evolution began with Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, which is already available on both Switch 2 and Microsoft consoles. They believe that accessibility should be a priority. The director of Rebirth, Naoki Hamaguchi, has confirmed that both this title and its […]

Square Enix has made a significant shift towards multi-platform game development, opening the doors to greater accessibility for its most iconic titles. After several years of exclusives for specific consoles, the company has decided to release its games on various platforms, including PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S. This evolution began with Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, which is already available on both Switch 2 and Microsoft consoles.

They believe that accessibility should be a priority

The director of Rebirth, Naoki Hamaguchi, has confirmed that both this title and its sequel, Part 3, are scheduled to be released simultaneously on multiple platforms, which could happen between 2027 and 2028. This strategy reinforces Square Enix’s commitment to eliminating exclusivity agreements, a decision that has been supported by legendary figures within the company, such as Yoshinori Kitase, the historic producer of Final Fantasy, and Yuji Horii, the creator of Dragon Quest. Both have expressed their vision that video games should be accessible to a wide audience, without barriers to entry.

Kitase emphasized that improvements in hardware specifications have allowed developers to maintain high standards of quality across different systems. As technology advances, it is possible to offer top-notch gaming experiences regardless of the platform chosen by the player.

Additionally, the support for Xbox Cloud Gaming and the Xbox Play Anywhere functionality have added an extra level of flexibility, allowing players to transfer their progress between devices, even on handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally. This strategy not only broadens access to games but also seems to position Square Enix on a more competitive path within the renewed interest in JRPGs.

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The director of Final Fantasy 7 Remake says we should lower our expectations for the third installment of the trilogy

The development team behind the highly anticipated titles Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has kept its staff almost intact for nearly a decade, under the direction of Naoki Hamaguchi. This approach has allowed the team to build strong relationships and improve their collective work, which is expected to be reflected in the third installment of the trilogy, provisionally known as Final Fantasy 7 Part 3. Expectations are poor advisors Hamaguchi has expressed his enthusiasm for the future once this third installment is completed, noting that his team is ready to explore […]

The development team behind the highly anticipated titles Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has kept its roster almost intact for nearly a decade, under the direction of Naoki Hamaguchi. This approach has allowed the team to build strong relationships and improve their collective work, which is expected to be reflected in the third installment of the trilogy, provisionally known as Final Fantasy 7 Part 3.

Expectations are poor advisors

Hamaguchi has expressed his enthusiasm for the future once this third installment is completed, noting that his team is ready to explore new projects, whether it’s a completely new game or an expansion within the Final Fantasy universe. “I can’t specify at this moment what it will be, but I’m looking forward to what’s next,” he stated. This leaves room for speculation that we could see both innovations within the saga and the birth of new franchises.

Although fans are eagerly awaiting the third chapter of the series, Hamaguchi has promised that information about its release will be shared in the near future, which generates even more anticipation among the gaming community. In this context, theories about the content and gameplay of this upcoming installment continue to proliferate on social media and discussion forums.

An interesting aspect highlighted by the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the video game industry. Hamaguchi stated that his team aspires to be “good enough creators” to surpass any contribution that AI may offer, reaffirming their commitment to creativity and quality in their productions. In this sense, the team’s vision focuses on producing meaningful gaming experiences that resonate with players, anticipating that what is to come will be equally exciting.

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The director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth claims that this French JRPG should win the GOTY

The RPG from Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has captured the attention of both the gaming community and the specialized press, being considered one of the best titles released this year. Many enthusiasts are already proposing it as a strong candidate for the Game of the Year (GOTY) 2025 award, a recognition that supports its remarkable commercial success and its favorable reception among fans and critics. Hamaguchi, convinced of the virtues of Expedition 33 Recently, Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has joined the voices praising this title, choosing it as his game of the […]

Hamaguchi, convinced of the virtues of Expedition 33

Recently, Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has joined the voices praising this title, choosing it as his game of the year in a statement given to the media GamesRadar. Hamaguchi highlighted that the combination of elements within the game, including its combat system inspired by classic JRPGs, the setting, the narrative, and the characters, are exceptionally balanced. “Everything fits perfectly,” said the Japanese director, emphasizing the solid gameplay that manages to engage players.

The visit from part of the Sandfall team to the Square Enix headquarters was received by Hamaguchi as a gesture of respect towards the legacy of traditional JRPGs, revealing a mutual admiration between the creators. “Not only have they created a great game, but they also showed that respect for the classic style,” he expressed about the attention to detail and high quality showcased in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

As competition in the video game industry intensifies, the success of titles like Expedition 33 highlights a shift in the landscape, with an additional mention that major productions are increasingly facing obstacles. The ability of this title to resonate with players suggests that there is a promising future for developers who prioritize quality and emotional connection in their releases.

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Nintendo will make Game Key Cards popular, according to the co-director of one of the most popular games in recent years

Naoki Hamaguchi, co-director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has publicly defended the importance of Game Key Cards for video game developers, emphasizing that this new format allows creators to overcome the limitations imposed by the physical cartridges of the upcoming Switch 2. In a recent conversation with Wccftech, Hamaguchi stated that Game Key Cards offer unique advantages that would otherwise not be available to developers working in the Nintendo ecosystem. Will the new Final Fantasy only come on a Game Key Card? The co-director also commented on concerns related to speed of […]

Naoki Hamaguchi, co-director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has publicly defended the importance of Game Key Cards for video game developers, emphasizing that this new format allows creators to overcome the limitations imposed by the physical cartridges of the upcoming Switch 2. In a recent conversation with Wccftech, Hamaguchi stated that Game Key Cards offer unique advantages that would otherwise not be available to developers working in the Nintendo ecosystem.

Will the new Final Fantasy only come in a Game Key Card?

The co-director also commented on concerns related to the loading speed of the Switch 2 cartridges, suggesting that this issue is more related to the hardware specifications of the device rather than the format of the Game Key Cards. “I can’t speak on behalf of Nintendo, but I think the Game Key Card format is a really innovative idea,” Hamaguchi said, sparking a debate about the direction Nintendo will take in this area.

However, Game Key Cards have sparked controversy, especially among communities advocating for the preservation of physical media. The reliance on a company to access games can compromise the future accessibility of these titles. Hamaguchi understood these concerns, but despite the controversy, he continued to emphasize that both Nintendo and developers must collaborate to promote this new format and ensure that players understand its implications in terms of costs and functionality.

The release of the Final Fantasy 7 remake is scheduled for 2026 and will be distributed in Game Key Card format, which will require considerable hard drive space of 90GB. While the future of the Switch 2 and its Game Key Cards remains uncertain, Hamaguchi is optimistic about the potential of this innovative system and its impact on the industry.

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The director of Final Fantasy VII Remake claims that his goal is for everyone to love the third installment

Square Enix has kept a low profile regarding the development status of the third part of Final Fantasy VII Remake, but director Naoki Hamaguchi has shared some details that suggest the project is still progressing. During his participation in Brazil Game Show 2025, Hamaguchi expressed his confidence that the game’s ending will be satisfying for both fans of the original title from 1997 and new fans who have joined the saga through recent installments. An impossible game in less than three installments Hamaguchi emphasized that the decision to split […]

Square Enix has kept a low profile regarding the development status of the third part of Final Fantasy VII Remake, but director Naoki Hamaguchi has shared some details that suggest the project is still progressing. During his participation in the Brazil Game Show 2025, Hamaguchi expressed his confidence that the game’s ending will be satisfying for both fans of the original 1997 title and new enthusiasts who have joined the saga through recent installments.

An impossible game in less than three installments

Hamaguchi emphasized that the decision to split the story of Final Fantasy VII into three parts was made in order to narrate the saga appropriately, using new technologies without cutting the essence of the story. “It’s a game with a truly large fan base. If we wanted to tell this story completely, it wouldn’t be possible to do it in a single title,” he commented, reaffirming Square Enix’s commitment to the community’s expectations.

Regarding gameplay, the director indicated that, although there will be no radical changes, new features are being implemented that will offer a different experience from what players have seen so far in the series. This intention for evolution is also reflected in Square Enix’s multiplatform strategy, which, according to Hamaguchi, will not affect the development of the installment, thanks to the adaptation to the technical differences between consoles, including PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S.

Finally, the development team is optimistic about the progress the game has made so far, describing it as “to perfection”. Although Square Enix’s official silence on the project prevails, Hamaguchi’s statements suggest that fans can expect an experience that “will be loved by all”.

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Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth was a small failure on PlayStation 5, but its director says that the arrival on other platforms is another story

Director Naoki Hamaguchi has assured that sales of Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth have improved since a financial report from Square Enix, published in September 2024, revealed a low initial performance. In statements to Automaton, Hamaguchi highlighted that the second installment of the Remake has performed successfully on both PS5 and PC. “I know some fans have expressed concerns, but please rest assured that we will be able to deliver a high-quality third chapter,” he confirmed. A game that has managed to take flight The development of this third game is already underway, with […]

Director Naoki Hamaguchi has assured that sales of Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth have improved since a financial report from Square Enix, published in September 2024, revealed an initial poor performance. In statements to Automaton, Hamaguchi emphasized that the second installment of the Remake has performed successfully on both PS5 and PC. “I know some fans have expressed concerns, but please rest assured that we will be able to deliver a high-quality third chapter,” he confirmed.

A game that has managed to take flight

The development of this third game is already underway, with Hamaguchi indicating that much of the content is playable and that the team is focused on refining the game. “The direction and shape of the game are firmly established. At this moment, the team is united around perfecting everything,” added the director.

It is important to note that both Final Fantasy 16 and 7: Rebirth showed lower sales performance according to the financial report from May 2024. This report, prepared before the releases of both games for PC, raises questions about Square Enix’s release strategy. FF16 arrived on PC 15 months after its release on PS5, while Rebirth made its debut on the new system in January 2025, almost a year after the console version.

Square Enix has expressed its intention to “aggressively pursue” a new strategy to attract PC users. This includes the plan to launch titles such as the third part of the Final Fantasy 7 remake simultaneously for PC and consoles, in a move that contrasts with past mistakes related to temporary exclusives. This strategy could mark a significant change in the way the company approaches the market, seeking to adapt to the demands of current players.

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Final Fantasy 7 Remake will arrive on all platforms in the market and that will have consequences for its sequel according to its director

The iconic video game franchise Final Fantasy 7 is expanding its reach with the upcoming releases of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox, a decision that marks a significant shift in Square Enix’s strategy. Under the direction of the new CEO, Takashi Kiryu, the company aims to reach a broader audience by adopting a multiplatform approach. Part 3 will have to take into account the platforms Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the series, stated that the development of the third installment, Part 3, has not been affected by the work on these new versions

Part 3 will have to take into account the platforms

Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the series, stated that the development of the third installment, Part 3, has not been affected by the work on these new versions. The company has optimized the graphics of Final Fantasy 7 Remake to resemble those of PlayStation 5, assuring players that the visual experience will be of high quality. In the case of Switch 2, the title will run at a “stable 30fps,” promising a smooth experience despite the hardware limitations.

One of the most notable new features is the implementation of simplified progression characteristics, designed to make the game more accessible to a broader audience. This responds, according to Hamaguchi, to the growing demand from players to consume content at their own pace, removing barriers that may prevent them from joining the experience.

Additionally, a demo for both platforms is expected at the end of this year, allowing players to try the titles before their full release in January 2026. Hamaguchi also expressed his optimism about the possibility of new collaborations for Final Fantasy, although details cannot be confirmed at this time. With this expansion to other platforms, Square Enix hopes to revitalize the franchise and attract new players in a competitive landscape.

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Nintendo Switch 2 keeps getting amazing games: the next one will be Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Square Enix has confirmed that the highly anticipated title Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be available on Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, with a scheduled release for 2025. This news was announced through a video published on Nintendo’s YouTube channel, where Naoki Hamaguchi, the game’s director, expressed his enthusiasm for establishing a strong collaboration with the Japanese company. Hamaguchi not only referred to Rebirth but also mentioned the word “saga,” suggesting that a possible third part of the remake could be released in 2027 or 2028, as long as Square Enix’s plans […]

Square Enix has confirmed that the highly anticipated title Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be available on Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, with a scheduled release for 2025. This news was announced through a video published on Nintendo’s YouTube channel, where Naoki Hamaguchi, the game’s director, expressed his excitement about establishing a strong collaboration with the Japanese company.

Hamaguchi not only referred to Rebirth, but also mentioned the word “saga,” suggesting that a possible third part of the remake could be released in 2027 or 2028, as long as Square Enix’s plans unfold as expected. This raises expectations among the fans of the series, who are eager to relive the story of Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith on this new platform.

The Nintendo Switch 2 aims to establish itself as a console capable of handling AAA titles, with developers like CD Projekt and FromSoftware already confirming that recognized titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring are on their way to the new console. This occasion represents a crucial moment not only for Square Enix but also for Nintendo, which seeks to attract a broader audience with its new platform, set to debut on June 5 of this year.

In addition, other companies like Ubisoft have expressed their commitment to support the Switch 2 in the coming years, which could further increase the appeal of the console. Players of Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch, who have stayed on the sidelines of the early titles of the remake, now have reasons to feel excitement about imminent releases that could change the dynamics of access to iconic stories in the realm of JRPGs.

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