Square Enix wants Final Fantasy 7 to be an ‘IP with an ever-evolving future’, which is strange to say about a franchise that’s already ever-evolving
Square Enix has articulated a vision for Final Fantasy 7 as an ‘IP with an ever-evolving future,’ though observers note this framing is somewhat redundant given the franchise’s history of constant expansion and reinvention. The statement comes as the company continues its ambitious Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, which has produced a series of well-received RPGs.
The announcement has prompted reflection on Square Enix’s broader development priorities. Industry commentators have questioned whether the company may be falling into what’s known as the ‘fear of new IP trap,’ where publishers lean heavily on established franchises and remakes rather than investing in original intellectual properties. The significant resources devoted to the Final Fantasy 7 remake project exemplify this pattern.
While Square Enix continues developing new entries in the core Final Fantasy series—with Final Fantasy 16 launching in 2023 to critical success—the company’s substantial commitment to revisiting and expanding the FF7 legacy raises questions about resource allocation and innovation strategy. The franchise clearly remains a commercial and creative priority, but the emphasis underscores broader industry trends around leveraging existing, beloved properties over developing entirely new gaming experiences.