Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series, has weighed in on the divisive game-key cards for the Nintendo Switch 2. He views this trend as an inevitable shift within the gaming industry. Major developers like Capcom, Ubisoft, Sega, and Square Enix have shown strong support for the Switch 2 since its launch. However, a significant downside is that the physical copies of their games are effectively rendered obsolete, as they consist mainly of game-key cards—essentially, cartridges that allow users to download and play digital content. While some developers, such as those behind Star Wars: Outlaws, have highlighted performance issues with standard cartridges, many Switch 2 owners express concerns about these game-key cards potentially complicating game preservation once digital storefronts shut down.
In a recent conversation with GamesRadar+, Hamaguchi offered further insight into his views on game-key cards. “I understand why many individuals are not fond of this new format and the reasons behind their feelings,” he remarked.
Director’s Perspective on Game-Key Cards
According to Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, “Nintendo will put more effort into popularizing” these game-key cards, which he describes as “a groundbreaking new concept.” He acknowledges the criticisms surrounding the cards but believes they offer opportunities for game development that traditional formats may not.
Echoing sentiments from the Star Wars: Outlaws development team, Hamaguchi noted that this format “allows us to do things that we wouldn’t otherwise.” Despite this, he empathizes with players’ concerns regarding the shift to digital, stating, “I completely understand the frustration of those pushing back against it.”
Industry Trends and Future Implications
Hamaguchi elaborated on the broader industry trends. He stated, “In many ways, this is part of a larger evolution we cannot escape,” pointing to the diminishing role of physical media as digital options gain prominence across platforms like PlayStation and Xbox, with traditional PC gaming physical copies nearly disappearing. However, he also recognizes the strong preference among Switch 2 users for the advantages that physical media provides, indicating that this transition will be gradual for that particular platform.
He remarked, “The trajectory is leaning more towards digital distribution. Yet, within this context, I see why many are hesitant regarding the key card approach.” From the creator’s standpoint, Hamaguchi believes that these cards facilitate the release of high-quality games on the Switch 2, stating, “Notably advanced games that require significant memory may not have been possible in physical form without the key card.”
In closing, Hamaguchi addressed the evolving role of AI in game development, affirming that his team aims to be skilled enough creators to surpass AI capabilities in their artistic endeavors.