Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director defends physical release
Director Naoki Hamaguchi pushed for a physical release for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, launching April 8, 2027.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will launch on April 8, 2027, with a physical release that functions as a key disc requiring downloads for the full game. Director Naoki Hamaguchi used his influence to advocate for this boxed version despite knowing it would not contain the complete experience.
Hamaguchi told reporters he pushed Square Enix for the release. He leveraged his position to argue for the physical version internally and with platform holders. The director acknowledges his authority over product line-ups is limited, as that responsibility falls to the publishing team. He stated he argued for it as much as possible.
How the disc version works
The disc for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S acts as a key that unlocks the game but requires a hefty additional download to access the full experience. On those consoles, the disc holds only the opening segment, working as a key disc that then downloads the rest. The physical release does not have the full game on it.
The Switch 2 version will use a game-key card instead of a disc. Physical owners on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will need to complete a substantial download before they can play the entire game.
Context of industry shift
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation's launch comes months before PlayStation phases out physical releases for new PS5 games. Sony announced in July that it will stop producing discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028. That decision sent shockwaves through the industry, making this physical release a notable exception.
Rockstar also announced a disc-less release for Grand Theft Auto 6. The PC market is growing, with many people already purchasing and downloading digital copies.
Director’s personal stance on physical media
Naoki Hamaguchi expressed a personal preference for physical copies, citing nostalgia and fan sentiment. He bought many physical editions as a child and still prefers physical for titles he is attached to. He finds meaning in getting friends or acquaintances who worked on a game to sign a copy.
Hamaguchi said he understands fans who declare 'No disc, no purchase'. He described the subject of physical versus digital media as very tricky and noted it has become particularly sensitive recently.
He believes physical media will remain in some form though he envisions a future where it may contain only a code on paper inside the box. Hamaguchi hopes fans understand he did his best regarding the disc decision, despite limitations in his authority over publishing decisions.
