The director of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, Naoki Hamaguchi, has indicated that the final entry, Revelation, may not receive a physical disc release. This decision is still under internal discussion at Square Enix, despite Hamaguchi's personal desire and fan sentiment for a tangible product.
Speaking at the Final Fantasy 14 Berlin Fan Fest, Hamaguchi stated that the exact product lineup for Revelation is not yet definitive. He acknowledged that it is something fans, and he himself, want to see. "I am working to make the arrangements to allow us to have some kind of physical edition," Hamaguchi told GamesRadar+. He also highlighted the cultural significance of physical media, referencing events like Fan Fest where fans request autographs on game boxes, calling it a "lovely" and "wonderful culture" that would be a shame to lose.
Despite these sentiments, Hamaguchi recognized the industry's ongoing shift towards digital distribution. However, he expressed optimism that physical games, in some form, will persist. He hypothesized that future physical releases might include a box containing a download code or a key card, similar to Nintendo's approach, or potentially a boot disc.
Both previous installments in the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, were released with physical editions that included discs. A special PlayStation 5 bundle of Remake and Rebirth even featured a three-disc set. Hamaguchi concluded by stating his hope to deliver something that aligns with player and fan expectations, but further announcements will be necessary for confirmation.