The future of physical video games has become a hot topic in recent weeks, following Sony's announcement that it is ending production of new discs in 2028 and Rockstar's confirmation that Grand Theft Auto 6 will skip discs entirely at launch in November. Against this backdrop, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi was asked whether the upcoming finale to the FF7 Remake trilogy, slated for next year, will get a physical release.
In an interview with GamesRadar at Final Fantasy 14 Fan Fest, Hamaguchi said Square Enix is still working out details. "We're still having internal discussions on what the exact SKU product lineup is going to be for Revelation, so I can't say anything particularly definitive at this point in time. But I am working to make the arrangements to allow us to have some kind of physical edition," he said. This is notable given that FF7 Remake and Rebirth both shipped on multiple discs that could be played without large online updates.
Hamaguchi was also asked about the broader future of physical releases. He said he believes "there will always be some kind of physical or packaged edition," though it may not take the form of a traditional disc. He floated alternatives such as a box containing a download code, key cards similar to what Nintendo uses, or some kind of boot disc. He added, "I feel like there'll always be something, and I hope there will be."
Hamaguchi acknowledged the general industry trend away from physical media and toward downloadable games, both as a developer and as a fan. However, he pointed to community events, like Fan Fest, where fans bring physical items for autographs, calling it "a wonderful culture" that he hopes will remain.
Notably, Hamaguchi's comments suggest his idea of a "physical edition" doesn't necessarily mean a disc playable offline — it could include a code inside a box or a game key card, which adds uncertainty to what a physical release of Revelation might actually look like. He said Square Enix is discussing which format would be best for the game, factoring in each platform's specific rules and regulations, and that he hopes to land on something close to what players and fans want, with future announcements to come.
Hamaguchi seemed aware his answer might raise questions, laughing as he told the outlet that if this is published and Revelation ultimately ships without a physical edition, "they're going to rip me to pieces."