Breaking News — Naoki Hamaguchi, co-director of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, has disclosed that he has already completed the final installment of the trilogy more than 40 times, despite the project remaining largely under wraps publicly.
This revelation, shared in a recent interview, signals an unusually advanced state of internal testing for a title that has yet to release any official gameplay footage or concrete release window.
Background and what this means are explored below.
Background
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is one of the most anticipated projects in gaming history, with Part 1 released in 2020 and Part 2 (Rebirth) arriving in early 2024. Development of Part 3 has proceeded under intense secrecy.
Square Enix has shared only a brief teaser trailer and minimal details, leading to widespread speculation about the game's progress and release date. Hamaguchi's statement offers the first substantial insight into the project's internal status.
“I have personally completed full playthroughs of Part 3 over 40 times to refine the pacing and ensure every sequence meets our vision,” Hamaguchi told Famitsu in a translated interview. “It is still undergoing polish, but we have a very solid foundation.”
What This Means
While a 40-playthrough benchmark does not confirm an imminent release, it strongly suggests that the core game is fully playable end-to-end. Industry analysts note that such extensive personal testing usually occurs during the final stages of quality assurance.
This could indicate a late 2025 or early 2026 launch, though Square Enix has not committed to any timeline. The news has already sparked fresh discussion among fans and investors, with many viewing it as a positive signal for the trilogy's completion.
“This level of hands-on iteration from a director is rare and speaks to the team's commitment to delivering a polished experience,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a video game production researcher at MIT. “It also suggests the narrative and gameplay loops are locked in.”
For the broader Final Fantasy community, Hamaguchi's update provides a rare glimpse into the development process—and a reason to believe the conclusion of this beloved remake saga is drawing significantly closer.
— Reporting contributed by news desk