Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, said he wants a physical release for the upcoming Final Fantasy VII: Revelation [1].
The statement highlights a growing tension between game developers and hardware manufacturers as the industry shifts toward all-digital distribution. For collectors and preservationists, the disappearance of physical media represents a loss of ownership and historical record.
Speaking at the FF14 Fan Fest in July 2026, Hamaguchi said he was disappointed with Sony's decision to stop supporting physical PS5 discs [1, 2]. While he desires a physical edition for the upcoming title, he said he cannot promise one because Square Enix has not made a final decision [2, 3].
Hamaguchi said physical media is an essential component of gaming culture [1, 3]. He said it would be "a real shame for that culture to disappear" [1]. This sentiment comes as the industry faces changing market trends that favor digital storefronts over traditional retail discs [2].
The Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy is expected to conclude in 2027 [3]. As the series approaches its finale, the debate over how these games are archived and sold becomes more pressing for the fan base.
Square Enix has not provided a timeline for a decision regarding the physical status of Revelation [2]. Hamaguchi said he continues to advocate for the option, citing the importance of giving fans a tangible product to own [1, 3].
“a real shame for that culture to disappear”
This friction between a high-profile director and platform holder reflects a broader industry pivot toward digital ecosystems. If major publishers like Square Enix follow Sony's lead in abandoning physical media, it could accelerate the decline of traditional retail gaming and complicate the long-term preservation of software.
