Final Fantasy VII Revelation and the impact of streaming on RPGs
Intelligence Summary
- Discover how Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, views streaming’s impact on RPG sales and the future.
In short
- Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, has voiced concerns about the impact of streaming on RPG sales.
- He calls it a “crisis” for RPGs that don’t offer enough player freedom.
- Hamaguchi argues for more agency and high-stakes choices in games to motivate players to play rather than just watch.
GAME-scanner analysis
Naoki Hamaguchi’s comments are especially relevant in today’s gaming landscape, where streaming services like Twitch and YouTube have a huge influence on how players experience games. Hamaguchi’s concern that RPGs without enough player freedom will struggle to attract players points to a broader industry trend. Players don’t just want to follow stories; they want to actively shape the outcome. That may mean developers need to get more creative with gameplay systems that deepen player engagement.
What does this mean for players?
For gamers, this could be a positive development. If developers focus more on creating choices that genuinely affect the course of the game, it could lead to richer and more immersive experiences. Players can expect future RPGs to give them more control over their adventure, which could increase replay value and overall engagement.
Timeline
12 June 2026: Final Fantasy VII Revelation is revealed during Summer Game Fest.