Why 'Final Fantasy VII Revelation' Was Made in Just Three Years

June 12, 2026 - 17:15

Director Naoki Hamaguchi has revealed that "Final Fantasy VII Revelation" was completed in only three years, a surprisingly short timeframe for a major AAA title. According to Hamaguchi, the project succeeded because of two key factors: retaining experienced staff and maintaining a clear creative vision.

In a recent interview, Hamaguchi explained that keeping the core development team intact from previous projects was crucial. Many team members had worked together for years, which eliminated the need for lengthy onboarding and allowed them to hit the ground running. "When you have people who already understand the tools, the engine, and each other's working styles, you save enormous amounts of time," he said.

The director also emphasized the importance of sticking to his original vision without excessive revisions. He noted that constant changes in direction often cause delays in game development. By committing to a clear plan early and resisting the temptation to chase trends, the team avoided the common pitfall of reworking assets and systems multiple times.

Hamaguchi acknowledged that three years is still a demanding schedule, but he believes the combination of a stable team and focused leadership made it possible. The result, he says, is a game that feels cohesive and polished, not rushed. "We didn't cut corners," he added. "We just worked smarter."