Naoki Hamaguchi Says FFVII Remake Part 3 Will Not Compromise Graphics Despite Multiplatform Shift
- ⚡Xe⚡
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
In an interview with Automaton, Naoki Hamaguchi addressed concerns about the trilogy’s third installment after the series expanded to more platforms.
With Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade now available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth also coming to those platforms, some players questioned whether supporting lower-spec hardware could affect visual quality.
"Both the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox versions have been incredibly well received and generated a lot of buzz online, and that attention has also made me realize how many people are worried about this issue. However, our decision to go multiplatform with the FFVII Remake series will not in any way lower the quality of the third installment. Our development structure simply doesn’t work that way to begin with. …I suppose I’ll just have to keep saying it (laughs).”
He explained that development is built around four technical pillars: CPU, GPU, RAM, and ROM. Optimization is handled separately for each platform. Memory limits on Xbox Series S, for example, do not affect other systems. The Switch 2 key card download format also removes traditional storage limits.
Regarding CPU scaling, Hamaguchi said the team targets a 30 fps baseline on lower-end hardware. This allows high-end systems to reach 60 fps and scale things like environmental detail, including higher NPC counts in towns.
On graphics, he clarified that PC is the lead platform for asset creation.
“The FFVII Remake series has sold very well on platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store, so we develop assets with the broad PC market in mind. In fact, our 3D assets are created at the highest quality level based on PC as the foundation.”
“When FFVII Rebirth launched, there was talk about how the PC version looked better than the PS5 version, and our philosophy will not change for the third installment. As our fundamental principle, we do not design assets to meet the lowest baseline. Instead, we create them for high-end environments first.”
Assets are created at maximum quality first and then scaled down for each platform. Internally, PS5 and PS5 Pro are seen as mid-range compared to high-end PC hardware. Steam Deck is scaled further due to its lower baseline.
Hamaguchi also addressed concerns that multiplatform development could take resources away from the third installment. A separate internal unit handles porting, which allows the main team to focus fully on the finale.
“Development of the third installment is progressing very smoothly, and we’re almost exactly on schedule with the milestones we set at the beginning of the project. The game is already in a playable state, and right now, we’re in the final push phase, refining and building up the experience. We’re at the stage where the quality improves day by day, and each time we play it, the scenery feels different, so it’s genuinely exciting. I think it won’t be too long before we’re able to share some kind of update with everyone.”
According to Hamaguchi, the multiplatform strategy also helps support long-term development by expanding sales reach and allowing further reinvestment into the project.
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About FINAL FANTASY VII
First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game revolving around iconic hero, Cloud Strife and his pursuit of the antagonist Sephiroth has sold over 15.3 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films and merchandise.
Now, Square Enix’s FINAL FANTASY VII remake project created by a team of original and new developers, retells the story of the genre-redefining RPG across three distinct, and standalone games. The first game of the trilogy, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is now available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, PS5® and PS4® consoles and PC. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy, has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 125 perfect scores from media and 40 Game of the Year awards, and is available now for PC and the PS5® console. It will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support on June 3, 2026.