Naoki Hamaguchi defends physical media for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has publicly advocated for the continued production of physical game copies. Despite an industry-wide trend toward digital-only distribution to reduce production and distribution costs, Hamaguchi pushed for the game to have a physical presence on retail shelves.

Hamaguchi argued that the disappearance of physical media could result in the loss of a significant part of gaming culture. His stance highlights concerns regarding consumer ownership, the needs of collectors, and accessibility for players with unstable internet connections who rely on physical discs rather than digital storefronts.