Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Discusses Streamers' Potential Impact on RPG Popularity

Naoki Hamaguchi, director for the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Revelation, has offered insights into why RPGs, particularly turn-based ones, may not be as popular as they once were. Ahead of the game's anticipated 2027 release, Hamaguchi suggested that streamers might be a factor contributing to a 'crisis' within the genre.

In an interview with 4Gamer, Hamaguchi explained that straightforward, narrative-heavy RPGs could enable audiences to 'simply watch a stream and feel satisfied without ever playing the game themselves.' He contrasted this with genres like shooters, strategy games, or life-sims, which inherently rely on player input and offer more varied outcomes.

Hamaguchi clarified that he does not fault streamers but sees this trend as an opportunity for RPG developers. He stressed the growing importance for creators to design games that incorporate elements of decision-making and choice. He noted that if a game's experience is limited to only its story, players might prefer watching content from their favorite influencers or YouTubers.

This perspective comes amid rising game prices and an increasing volume of new releases, which can make it challenging for players to justify purchasing every desired title. Hamaguchi's theory suggests that games offering more variability could make players feel their investment is more worthwhile.

Separately, Hamaguchi also discussed expectations for Final Fantasy VII Revelation with GameSpot. He indicated that minigames, a feature criticized in Rebirth for being too numerous, will be less of a focus. Additionally, he touched upon the process of bringing the original game's weapons to life and explored potential adventures for Cloud and the team following the conclusion of the remake trilogy.

According to GameSpot, Hamaguchi's comments highlight an evolving challenge for game creators in the digital age.