Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi has told fans he “did his best” to fight for a full disc release, even as the game ships with a key disc that only plays the opening. Speaking to Radio Times, as spotted by IGN, Hamaguchi explained his own love for physical media and the limits of his role.
The director grew up buying games on disc, and he still prefers physical copies when a title means enough to him. He wants friends and colleagues in the industry to sign copies of their work. “Personally, obviously, I bought lots of physical editions of games as a child. Sometimes I buy digital editions of games, but if I’m particularly attached to a title, I want to get the physical version,” he said.
What the Key Disc Actually Does
When Final Fantasy 7 Revelation launches on 8th April 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, players will find a physical disc in the box. But it is not a full game. The disc included is a key disc containing only the game’s opening. To play the rest of the game, PS5 and Xbox Series X players will still need to download a hefty chunk of content.
Hamaguchi acknowledged the arrangement himself. “The product line-up, the SKUs, how it’s going on sale – that is the responsibility of the publishing team. So my authority there is somewhat limited,” he said.
Fighting For a Full Disc
Despite that limitation, Hamaguchi said he argued for a physical version “as much as possible”. His position led to negotiations “both internally and with first parties” that resulted in the one-disc approach shipping with the game.
He understands the pushback. “I completely understand there are those out there who may not really agree with that direction,” he said. “But I would just say that I hope you understand that I completely see where you’re coming from, and that I did my best. It is a very tricky subject.”
Physical Media’s Shifting Future
Hamaguchi still expects physical media to remain in some form. He pointed to the continued strength of PC digital sales as evidence that the format is not dying entirely. But he can also see a future where physical media is reduced to little more than a code printed on paper inside the box.
Sony announced on 1st July it was ceasing production of discs for PlayStation games, effective January 2028. Beyond that point, PlayStation games will be available digitally only. PlayStation games will continue to be sold at retail, just without a physical disc.
| Platform | Disc Included |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Yes |
| PC | Yes |
| PS5 | Yes |
| Xbox Series X/S | Yes |
What Fans Get
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation follows the Platinum trophy trend set by its predecessor. While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was “difficult” to Platinum by “design”, sequel Revelation’s Platinum trophy will be “easier to get”.
The compromise is real. Hamaguchi did his best, but the result is a key disc that only plays the opening, and a download that still awaits the player who pops it in.
The director’s answer is honest and modest. He fought within his limits, and the game ships with a key disc that only plays the opening. Whether that arrangement satisfies fans remains to be seen, but Hamaguchi made his case clearly: he wanted a full disc, and he pushed for it as far as he could.
See the video the story is built around at Eurogamer.
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