Final Fantasy 7 Remake Director Emphasizes the Importance of Diversity in Gaming: “Action and Turn-Based Games Should Both Evolve”

Players currently have an abundance of large-scale JRPGs to dive into. In recent years, titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Digimon Time Stranger have emerged, alongside a variety of impressive remakes. The first two stand out particularly, as they showcase different facets of the gaming landscape, with both lead developers believing their projects contribute positively to the genre.

Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, shared insights from a conversation with Guillaume Broche, the director of Clair Obscur. “During our discussion, we both agreed that games should embrace diversity,” Hamaguchi noted. “Instead of pitting Clair Obscur against Final Fantasy, we should celebrate both.”

Their dialogue touched on the differences between action RPGs and turn-based systems, as well as the contrast between AA and AAA projects. Clair Obscur marks the debut of Sandfall Entertainment, an independent studio, while Rebirth is backed by the well-established Square Enix.

Ultimately, both titles have garnered appreciation from fans worldwide, each advancing their gameplay mechanics in meaningful ways. “Both action and turn-based games need to evolve for the better,” Hamaguchi emphasized. “We need to convey to fans that it’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about embracing both.”

He further explained that Sandfall’s approach to this evolution isn’t just about public discussions but also about creating games that demonstrate this philosophy. It’s a testament to the industry that players can enjoy a variety of experiences, from Yakuza to Dragon Quest, each offering unique narratives that resonate with audiences.

While we anticipate the arrival of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, Sandfall’s next project remains under wraps. Whatever it may be, the expectations are high, and there’s confidence it will meet them with style.

Broche humorously pointed out that Final Fantasy 10’s ability to let players overpower the final boss might have made things “a little too easy.”