Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director says he “did his best” to fight for a full disc release
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi says he argued for a physical release, but had limited influence over the final product format. The game will include a disc when it launches in 2027, though players will still need a substantial download to access the full game, a compromise that reflects the industry’s shift towards digital sales.
Hamaguchi said he understands fans who object to a disc containing only the opening section, and described the decision as a sensitive issue handled by the publishing team. Revelation is due on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on 8 April 2027. Sony plans to stop producing PlayStation game discs from January 2028, while Hamaguchi expects physical releases may persist in forms such as boxed download codes.
- Hamaguchi says he pushed for a physical release.
- Revelation’s disc contains only the opening section.
- The full game requires a substantial download.
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Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is the third game in a series that retells and expands on the story of Final Fantasy 7, the role-playing game first released in 1997. Its director, Naoki Hamaguchi, leads the team making the game, while the publisher decides how it is sold and distributed.
Games sold on disc have traditionally let players install and play without downloading most of the content. Increasingly, physical editions require large downloads, as publishers shift towards digital sales. This matters to players with limited internet access and to collectors who want a disc that contains the full game.
Revelation is planned for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Sony has said it plans to stop producing PlayStation game discs from January 2028, while boxed editions may continue to include download codes.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A disc release gives players a tangible copy to collect, lend or keep, and can matter to those with limited internet access or who value owning games in a physical format. Providing the full game on disc would better meet those expectations and make the product less dependent on future download availability; the director’s reported advocacy reflects a reasonable effort to preserve that option.
The case against
A disc that still requires a substantial download may be a practical compromise as sales and distribution move towards digital formats. Publishers may see digital delivery as more workable for production and updates, while including a disc or boxed code can retain a physical product for customers who want one. The final format is a publishing decision, so the director’s limited influence does not by itself show that the compromise was unreasonable.