The ongoing discussion surrounding the future of physical game media has garnered attention from industry figures, including Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. In a recent interview, Hamaguchi stated his team's commitment to releasing a physical edition of the game, citing its cultural value.
Hamaguchi acknowledged the industry's general movement towards digital distribution but emphasized his belief that physical media represents "a wonderful culture" that should not be lost. Consequently, his team is actively working to ensure a physical version of Rebirth becomes available. "We're still having internal discussions on what the exact SKU product lineup is going to be for Rebirth,” Hamaguchi said during Berlin's Final Fantasy 14 Fan Festival. "So I can't say anything particularly definitive at this point in time. But I am working to make the arrangements to allow us to have some kind of physical edition."
While specific details about the physical edition remain undisclosed, Hamaguchi noted that platform-specific regulations, such as storage limitations on Nintendo's game cards or disc capacity on other platforms, are significant factors influencing their decisions. "Each platform and first-party have their own specific rules and regulations that we need to take into account, and think about what format is actually going to be best for the game," he explained. The team is aiming to create a product that aligns with player and fan expectations, with further announcements expected in the future.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is slated for release in 2027 and will conclude the current trilogy. Both its predecessors, Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, received physical editions on the PlayStation 5. Given that Sony is set to cease disc production in January 2028, a physical release for Rebirth on PlayStation 5 remains feasible, though the exact format, similar to potential scenarios for Grand Theft Auto 6, could involve a code within the box rather than a traditional disc.
Further speculation suggests that Rebirth may not be the absolute end of content for the Final Fantasy VII universe, with recent leaks pointing to potential DLC expansions. These leaks hint at a "Story Expansion Pass" that could introduce new territories and narrative elements for Cloud and his companions.