Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director defends physical release compromise

Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, has addressed the controversy surrounding the game’s physical release. While the title will be available in retail stores, the physical version will function as a ‘key disc’ containing only the game’s introduction. Players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will be required to download the substantial remainder of the game data to complete the experience.

Hamaguchi stated in an interview with Radio Times that he advocated for a physical release during internal negotiations and discussions with platform holders, despite increasing industry pressure toward digital-only editions. He noted that while he personally values physical media, final decisions regarding SKUs, distribution, and sales formats are the responsibility of the publishing team rather than the development director.

The release, scheduled for April 8, 2027, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, highlights a shifting trend in the industry. Hamaguchi predicted that physical media may continue to exist but in evolving forms, such as ‘disc-less’ packaging that contains only a printed download code. This comes amid reports that Sony plans to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs starting in January 2028.