Final Fantasy VII Remake's highly anticipated Part 3 has reached a major milestone: the main story is complete! Directors Hamaguchi and producer Kitase shared this exciting news in a recent interview, promising a smooth path to the trilogy's conclusion.
Final Fantasy VII Part 3: Story Completion and Development Update
Development Remains on Track for Release
Image from Famitsu
In a Famitsu interview promoting Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's PC release, producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that Part 3's development is progressing without delays. Hamaguchi confirmed the story is finished, stating development began immediately after Rebirth's completion and is proceeding according to the original project schedule. He expressed confidence and anticipation for the game's release.
Kitase echoed this sentiment, clarifying that while he previously mentioned the story's completion before Rebirth's PS5 launch, the final polish is now also finished. He highlighted the collaborative effort with Creative Director Tetsuya Nomura to create a satisfying conclusion that respects the original while adding its own unique elements. He expressed confidence that this ending will resonate strongly with fans.
Initial Concerns About Rebirth's Reception
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (released early 2024), Kitase and Hamaguchi admitted to initial concerns about how players would receive the second installment in the trilogy. Kitase acknowledged the pressure of following up the successful first game, but expressed relief and encouragement from the positive critical and fan response. Hamaguchi added that this positive reception sets a strong foundation for the final game.
Rebirth's success, they attribute in part to director Hamaguchi's "logic-based approach" to development. In a separate Automaton interview, he explained a process of incorporating player feedback, prioritizing suggestions that enhance the core goals rather than simply altering them based on preference alone.
The Rise of PC Gaming and its Impact
The team also discussed the growing prominence of PC gaming. Kitase noted the industry trend towards simultaneous or near-simultaneous PC releases, driven by rising development costs and the desire to reach a broader audience. He highlighted the global reach of PC gaming, unlike consoles which may face regional limitations.
Hamaguchi emphasized the team's commitment to a faster PC port release for Rebirth compared to the first game, reflecting this industry shift. This experience, coupled with lessons learned from the first two installments, promises a positive outlook for the final game's release and potential for quicker PC availability.
With the story complete for Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3, anticipation is high for this concluding chapter. The team's confidence, combined with the success of Rebirth, suggests a strong and exciting finale for this beloved trilogy.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is available now on PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5. Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC (Steam).