Final Fantasy 7 Remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi has already completed the highly anticipated, yet-to-be-announced third installment of the trilogy more than 40 times, fueling massive excitement for the project’s conclusion.
A Deep Dive into Development Progress
In a recent conversation with Nintendo Life surrounding the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Hamaguchi provided a rare glimpse into the development status of the final chapter. When asked about the project’s trajectory, the director confirmed that the team is highly enthusiastic about current progress. This aligns with his previous hints that fans can expect more updates regarding the series this year than ever before.
More Than Just Testing: A Director’s Dedication
Perhaps most surprising is the sheer volume of playthroughs Hamaguchi has already clocked. Despite the game remaining shrouded in mystery for the general public, the director revealed, “I have already completed over 40 full playthroughs!”
Far from just a casual test, this rigorous engagement is part of Hamaguchi’s intense creative process. “It’s rare for me to make downtime with the intentional goal of ‘relaxing,'” he explained. “I play games and watch films, but sometimes I’m not even sure whether I’m purely enjoying them or engaging with them as part of my own creative process.”
Building an Unforgettable Finale
Looking toward the future, Hamaguchi expressed his eagerness to share the experience with the fanbase. “I can’t wait for as many people as possible to experience the game for themselves, and myself and the team are working hard to ensure we can create an unforgettable gameplay experience.”
While the scale of a Final Fantasy 7 entry is massive—making the idea of 40 full playthroughs an incredible feat of endurance—the dedication suggests the final entry is being polished to an extreme degree. What started as a skeptical look at an episodic remake project has now transformed into high expectations for what promises to be a definitive gaming event.
Respecting the Legacy
The director has also previously clarified that he has “no intention” of altering the overarching story established by the original JRPG’s writer. While some small adjustments are necessary to heighten the player’s “emotional engagement” in the modern era, the core narrative pillars remain firmly in place.
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