Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has openly expressed his appreciation for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a standout JRPG of the year, even declaring it his game of the year. The rising popularity of successful AA titles has sparked his interest in exploring similar avenues, albeit with the caveat of his responsibilities at Square Enix weighing heavily on him.
In an interview with GamesRadar+, when addressing Clair Obscur and the influence of AA titles on production perspectives, Hamaguchi noted through a translator that “the costs associated with developing AAA games have increased significantly.” He emphasizes that the distinctiveness lies in “how complete and multi-faceted [the games] can be.”
Hamaguchi elaborates on AAA games, stating that “no matter which direction you examine it or which element you focus on, it maintains a consistently high quality.” For context, consider the extensive features incorporated in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth—ranging from mini-games and vehicles to tournaments, side quests, and hidden bosses. Conversely, in Hamaguchi’s assessment, AA games typically “zero in on one particular aspect of a single element and really enhance that, given the financial constraints of development.”
Exploring New Avenues
The director of the FF7 Remake trilogy expressed a desire to experiment with a game that closely mirrors the essence of AA titles—one that emphasizes a singular facet and maximizes its enjoyment. However, he admits this ambition would require him to “totally overlook the realities of his role—the expectations placed upon him and the demands of his position.”
Despite being entrenched in the world of AAA RPGs for the foreseeable future, Hamaguchi remains keen on supporting smaller-scale developers, as he believes it’s beneficial for the industry as a whole. “If I get the opportunity to collaborate with some of the creators behind these kinds of games, I think that would be fantastic as well,” he mentioned. “From an industry standpoint, I find it to be very positive, and I enjoy witnessing the emergence of these AA titles.”
Look Ahead for FF7 Remake
Hamaguchi has also promised that there will be news regarding Part 3 of Final Fantasy 7 Remake “in the not too distant future” and humorously mentioned he’s “heading straight to my hotel room to review some of the levels.”