‘It Would Be a Real Shame for That Culture to Disappear’: Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Says Physical Game Releases Must Continue
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, has expressed concern that discontinuing physical game releases would eliminate an important cultural element. His remarks respond to Sony’s announcement that new PlayStation 5 games will cease shipping on disc from January 2028, a decision that triggered substantial fan backlash.
Speaking at the FF14 Fan Fest, Hamaguchi shared his perspective as both a devoted gamer and game creator. He highlighted how physical editions hold personal significance—fans frequently ask him to autograph their physical copies, a direct creator-to-player interaction that all-digital distribution would preclude. “It would be a real shame for that culture to disappear,” Hamaguchi stated, expressing confidence that physical games will endure despite the industry’s shift toward digital-only distribution.
Hamaguchi’s comments underscore broader concerns among industry figures and players about losing tangible game ownership and the collector’s experience. The debate reflects a fundamental tension in gaming: console manufacturers promote all-digital futures citing convenience and environmental benefits, while creators and consumers advocate for preserving consumer choice and the cultural significance of physical media ownership.