Naoki Hamaguchi Eyes New JRPG or Original IP After Final Fantasy VII Remake Trilogy

With the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy nearing its conclusion with the upcoming release of Final Fantasy VII Revelation, director Naoki Hamaguchi is looking toward his next creative challenge. Hamaguchi, who has dedicated over a decade to the Remake series, expressed his eagerness to explore new JRPG projects or potentially an entirely new intellectual property after the trilogy concludes.

Despite being considered part of a newer generation of Square Enix developers, Hamaguchi has a long history with the company, with his first credits appearing on Final Fantasy XII. He acknowledges the significant roles of Yoshinori Kitase and Tetsuya Nomura, who serve as producer and creative director for the overarching Final Fantasy VII franchise, respectively. Hamaguchi noted the deep respect and trust shared among the trio, with Kitase and Nomura entrusting him with the Remake series. He also highlighted the value of their input, particularly given his own lack of involvement in the original Final Fantasy VII's development, which helps him navigate creative decisions.

While currently focused on delivering Final Fantasy VII Revelation, Hamaguchi is aware of fan speculation regarding a potential Final Fantasy VI remake. He clarified that while he appreciates the fan interest, he believes such a project might be better handled by another creator within Square Enix. Instead, his personal ambition lies in developing a new JRPG, whether it be within the Final Fantasy series or a completely original IP. He expressed confidence in Square Enix's ability to create grand-scale RPGs that resonate globally.

In discussions with Bloomberg, Hamaguchi further clarified that he is not interested in pursuing remakes. He indicated a potential interest in working on projects at a smaller scale, such as a AA title, or developing a new Final Fantasy installment or a new AAA franchise.

Final Fantasy VII Revelation is slated for release in the first half of next year and will mark a first for the series with its simultaneous launch across all major platforms.