Square Enix is moving full steam ahead with the third and final installment of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, promising a "proper, high-quality" conclusion despite earlier concerns about the commercial performance of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Director Naoki Hamaguchi recently shared optimistic updates about the project’s development, addressing the trilogy’s trajectory and the team’s commitment to delivering a memorable finale.
In a recent interview with Automaton (spotted by IGN), Hamaguchi acknowledged that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second entry in the trilogy, did not initially meet Square Enix’s sales expectations. However, he emphasized that the game has since gained significant traction. "The second entry, FFVII Rebirth, has been doing very well on both PS5 and PC," he stated, highlighting the game’s strong performance across platforms, particularly following its PC release on the Epic Games Store and Steam.
Despite the initial sales shortfall, Hamaguchi reassured fans about the future of the trilogy. "I know some fans have expressed concerns, but please rest assured, we'll be able to deliver a proper, high-quality third installment," he said. This commitment underscores Square Enix’s dedication to maintaining the trilogy’s ambitious scope and quality, ensuring the final chapter meets the high standards set by its predecessors.
Hamaguchi provided further insight into the development process, noting that progress on the third installment is advancing smoothly. “Development is going extremely well, and the game is shaping up nicely," he said. "A lot of the content is already playable, and the game’s direction and form are firmly set in place. Right now, the team is united around refining everything." These comments reflect a confident and focused development team, with a clear vision for the trilogy’s conclusion.
Additionally, Hamaguchi elaborated on the project’s status in a separate interview with German outlet JPGames on September 25, as reported by IGN. "In terms of development [of Part 3], we're working on that right now," he said. "We've got builds running where you can actually experience what that theme is through the gameplay. And we know where we're going with it. It's looking like it's going in the right direction, and we'll keep working on it and make it even better. So hopefully in the near future we'll be able to reveal some of that. And yeah, this is going to be the climax, the finale of the series. And we're going to make it a suitable finale, a really great send-off for the game. It will be something ideally we hope will please fans, will delight the fans of this much-loved series, and really reward everyone for sticking with us to the end. So look forward to that. More information in the not too distant future. It's all in safe hands!"
While specific details about the third installment, including its official title, remain under wraps, Hamaguchi’s comments suggest a robust and well-defined project. The director’s emphasis on a “suitable finale” indicates that the team is focused on crafting a climactic experience that honors the legacy of Final Fantasy VII while delivering a satisfying conclusion to the remake trilogy.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, released on February 29, 2024, received widespread critical acclaim for its expansive storytelling, refined gameplay, and stunning visuals. Its availability on PC and an upcoming port to the Nintendo Switch 2 further expand its reach. With development on the trilogy’s final chapter progressing steadily, Square Enix appears poised to deliver a fitting end to one of gaming’s most beloved sagas.
More details about the third installment are expected to be revealed in the near future, as the team continues to refine and polish the game. For now, fans can look forward to a high-quality conclusion that aims to celebrate the enduring legacy of Final Fantasy VII.
