Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s director Hamaguchi stresses a “logic-based” approach when incorporating user feedback to make sure a game sticks to its original vision 

With Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launching on PC today, director Naoki Hamaguchi and producer Yoshinori Kitase recently shared some more insight into the making of the second part of the remake trilogy with our sister site AUTOMATON Japan. In the extended Japanese interview, Hamaguchi explains how his logic-based approach makes sure that the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy sticks to its vision, while incorporating suitable feedback from the team and players. 

With the original Final Fantasy VII being such a beloved classic, fans of the game have all kinds of opinions about what the remake trilogy should and shouldn’t do. In the face of all this feedback and theories (including those about Cloud and Aerith’s relationship), how does the development team decide what ideas to incorporate?  

Hamaguchi explains that although they gather opinions both from staff and players through test sessions, they have a policy that dictates what kind of feedback is considered for implementation into the trilogy. For example, Hamaguchi explains that “If our goal is A, and we get an opinion like ‘I want B instead,’ we can’t do anything about it as it is just someone’s preference. However, if we get an opinion like ‘If you added B too, wouldn’t it be even better?’ then I’ll think about incorporating it, if possible.” In other words, feedback on elements that could improve the game are considered, but those that are based on individual preferences that don’t align with the vision are not.  

“Once I have decided on a concept or vision, I don’t waver – that’s the kind of person I am. I think this is what enables me to continue the game’s development in a relatively smooth manner.” Hamaguchi explains, adding that “I use logic to come up with answers. I don’t just arrive at a single choice by coincidence, but rather there is a kind of accumulated reasoning behind everything. Because of this, even if I hear an opinion that’s slightly off, I have this logic built up inside me that acts as a barrier, and that’s probably what keeps me from straying.” 

The team is currently hard at work on the last part of Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. With promises of even more freedom, a story that ties up all the loose ends, time-saving functions and of course, more Queen’s Blood, fans have got a lot to look forward to. 

For now, Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS4/PS5 and PC) and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5 and PC) are available now. A twin pack containing both games was released on PC today.