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Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director wants “some kind of physical edition” for the RPG, but he can’t promise it as Sony becomes the latest to “shift away” toward digital
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, has said he would like the RPG to receive "some kind of physical edition" but cannot guarantee one, as the games industry continues its broader move away from physical media towards digital-only releases. His comments come as Sony becomes the latest major platform holder to pull back on physical support, following a pattern already seen with other high-profile titles such as GTA 6.
Hamaguchi explained that internal discussions on the exact "SKU product lineup" for Revelation are still ongoing, and that "each platform and first-party have their own specific rules and regulations" that developers must factor into such decisions. While acknowledging that the general industry trend favours downloadable games, he said he personally values the culture around physical releases, particularly the connections he has seen with fans at community events, adding that it "would be a shame to lose that" and that he wants it "to remain".
In short
- FF7 Revelation director wants a physical release but can't promise one.
- Sony is the latest to shift focus away from physical games.
- Platform-specific rules and ongoing SKU talks complicate the decision.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A physical edition would preserve a valued part of gaming culture: fans can collect, display and lend a copy, and physical releases can help build community around a game. Offering one alongside a digital version would give players more choice and serve those who value ownership or have limited access to reliable downloads.
The case against
A digital release can be more convenient for players and may avoid the costs and logistical constraints of manufacturing and distributing physical copies. With demand and platform policies shifting towards downloads, focusing on digital availability could help the publisher reach players efficiently while deciding whether a physical edition is viable.
Explained simply
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is an upcoming role-playing game from Square Enix, with Naoki Hamaguchi serving as director. This story relates to a broader industry shift away from physical game media—such as discs and cartridges—towards digital-only releases, a transition that affects how new games become available to players.
Platform holders including Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo each set their own rules for games released on their systems, including policies on physical versions. In recent years, these companies have increasingly restricted physical support for new releases, following an industry-wide trend towards digital distribution that constrains the options available to developers.
Many players prefer purchasing games in physical format for reasons including collecting them, ensuring ownership independent of internet access, and supporting secondhand markets. This matters because the shift determines how future games will be sold and affects aspects of gaming culture, from collector communities to resale possibilities.