Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, has addressed concerns regarding the concluding act of the series, particularly in light of feedback about the expansive nature of FF7 Rebirth. In a recent interview, he assured fans that the upcoming third installment will not compromise on content despite some players feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of activities available in the second part.
Balancing Content and Pacing
Hamaguchi acknowledged that the extensive side quests and world exploration in FF7 Rebirth might have led to a perception of excessive length. He clarified, however, that his intention was not to shorten the game or eliminate story elements. “I think that may have been misconstrued by people,” he stated, emphasizing that the goal is to enhance the pacing rather than reduce the content. “It’s about making sure the pacing feels right,” he elaborated. “It has to feel right, so that’s what I mainly intended to say there.”
His confidence in the pacing and overall experience of Rebirth is evident. “I feel that the pacing, the content, and the balance in Rebirth is exactly as I wanted it,” he expressed. Hamaguchi believes that the game does not feel unnecessarily prolonged and that many players would agree with his assessment.
In his commitment to delivering a polished experience, Hamaguchi engages in extensive playtesting throughout the development process. “I play through my games ‘again and again’ to ensure the experience and balancing is right,” he noted. He considers this dedication a crucial aspect of his role as a director, stating, “I’ve put a lot of effort into that.”
While he remains steadfast in his vision, Hamaguchi is also receptive to player feedback. “Obviously, I understand that there are maybe people who would see it like that and maybe feel differently,” he acknowledged. He values the opinions of those who express their thoughts on the game, recognizing the importance of considering diverse perspectives.
Looking ahead to the third installment, Hamaguchi reiterated his focus on improving pacing to enhance immersion. “It’s about improving the pacing and making sure that the story developments move forward in a fairly speedy manner,” he explained. This approach aims to ensure that players do not feel bogged down by slow or drawn-out sequences.
As anticipation builds for the next chapter in this beloved series, Hamaguchi assures fans that the project is progressing well. “It’s looking in a really good state,” he remarked, leaving players eager for updates on the sequel’s release.
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