Key Takeaways
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- Director Naoki Hamaguchi is actively working to release a physical version of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, though final details regarding the disc or product code remain unconfirmed.
- The gaming industry faces an expected decline in true physical media by 2028, with major titles like Grand Theft Auto VI potentially shifting toward digital-only releases shortly after.
- Square Enix is navigating technical constraints and platform-specific rules from manufacturers like Nintendo while striving to include enough content on discs before the format becomes obsolete.
- Even if actual game cartridges disappear, Hamaguchi hopes a physical culture survives through box sets containing activation codes or collectible packaging that fans can still display and enjoy.
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Director Naoki Hamaguchi of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is working to ensure a physical media version of the game becomes a reality, potentially marking one of the last major physical releases on PlayStation before the format’s expected decline by January 2028. While Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is scheduled for release in 2027, before this deadline, the industry’s shift to digital-only standards may accelerate. Reports suggest that Grand Theft Auto VI’s physical edition will contain only a product code on the disc. This aligns with existing information about a digital-only release later this year but does not introduce new details specific to Rockstar or Grand Theft Auto VI. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is slated for a Spring 2027 launch. Square Enix has not yet finalized details regarding its physical edition, which is consistent with expectations for a 2027 release prior to the 2028 cut-off, though no specific product code has been announced. The primary new information from recent statements concerns Hamaguchi’s desire for a physical copy of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, the industry trend pointing towards the end of physical media by 2028, and the technical limitations associated with storage on certain platforms.
The first two entries in the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, were released as complete physical editions with actual discs included in their packaging. A special PlayStation 5 bundle featuring Remake and Rebirth contained a total of three discs. A physical release for Rebirth would allow collectors to own the complete trilogy in physical form. Hamaguchi stated during the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in Berlin, “We are still discussing internally exactly what product line (SKUs) will launch for Rebirth, so I cannot say anything definitive at this moment. But I am making preparations to enable a physical edition.” He explained that companies face different conditions when releasing physical versions and are currently in discussions with console manufacturers.
“Obviously, when talking with Nintendo, there are issues regarding storage limits on game cards and similar matters whereas with other platforms, the concern is simply how much content fits onto a disc,” Hamaguchi noted. “Each platform and console manufacturer has its own specific rules and regulations we must take into account, in addition to considering which format will truly be best for the game. These are the discussions we’re currently having. We hope we can reach something as close as possible to what players and fans desire, but you’ll have to wait for future announcements to learn more.” He added humorously, emphasizing that nothing is confirmed, “If you publish this now, and later we announce products without a physical edition, you’re going to kill me.” Hamaguchi also expressed regret over the potential demise of physical media, acknowledging it as an inevitable trend. Acknowledging market trends, he observed, “As both a developer and a fan, the general trend is moving from physical formats to digital games.”
Hamaguchi Hopes Physical Packaging Culture Remains Alive Even on Digital Discs
He further reflected on the value of physical media beyond gameplay, noting, “Personally, here at events like Fan Fest or gaming community meetups where I’ve worked, it’s incredibly cool to see people bringing items in for autographs. I think it’s a wonderful culture and would be a pity to lose it. I want that to remain.” Hamaguchi believes that even if physical discs are eventually phased out, some form of physical edition or packaging, such as a box containing an activation code or card, will persist. “I believe there’ll always be some option for it and I hope so too,” he concluded.
In Case You Missed It
For those eager to see the epic saga conclude, be sure to check out “Final Fantasy VII Revelations Completes the Remake Trilogy” by Bruno Pferd, published on June 13th, 2026 Final Fantasy VII Revelations Completes the Remake Trilogy to discover how this latest entry dives into the eagerly awaited third episode of Square Enix’s trilogy and breaks free from previous console exclusivity plans to launch across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. The post highlights exciting new elements featured in the announcement trailer, including beloved character returns like Vincent Valentine and Cid, alongside a fresh “Jobs” system that allows for deep customization as players venture into the Wutai nation to resolve key story themes, offering you a chance to read all about how this installment is poised to solidify its place in gaming history by following the link: Final Fantasy VII Revelations Completes the Remake Trilogy
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Final Fantasy VII Revelation |
| Brief Summary | A meteor mars the sky, monstrous planetary guardians wreak havoc across the globe, and the fires of war rage.
As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation and their nemesis Sephiroth nears godhood, Cloud Strife and his companions take to the skies aboard the airship Highwind and set forth to face their final battle, with the fate of the planet hanging in the balance. As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, the final battle against Sephiroth begins. In the final chapter of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake project, the scale has never been larger and the stakes have never been higher. Take to the skies and explore a boundless world, fight alongside a fully assembled party, master strategic and dynamic combat, and prepare yourself for the climactic finale. A vast planet awaits. Everything leads here. |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S |
| Released | June 30, 2027 |
| Genre | Role-playing (RPG), Adventure |
| Play Modes | Single player |
| Content Rating | RP |
| Languages | Chinese (Simplified), French, Korean |
| Genre | Square Enix Creative Studio I |
| Genre | Square Enix |
They also talk about it
Links to external sources for further reading
- Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director's Optimistic Take on Physical Media Is Exactly What We NeedFinal Fantasy 7 Revelation Director's Optimistic Take on Physical Media Is Exactly What We Needgamerant.com
- Final Fantasy 7 Revelation's director can't promise a physical release, but he wants itFinal Fantasy 7 Revelation's director can't promise a physical release, but he wants itpolygon.com
- 'Final Fantasy 7 Revelation' Game Director Calls For A Physical Edition, But Can't Make Guarantees'Final Fantasy 7 Revelation' Game Director Calls For A Physical Edition, But Can't Make Guaranteesgeekculture.co
- Final Fantasy VII Revelation Director Would Like to See a Physical EditionFinal Fantasy VII Revelation Director Would Like to See a Physical Editionopencritic.com