In an interview with TheGamer, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, expressed his lack of concern about how people categorize the upcoming sequel. He shared that he doesn’t hold a strong opinion on the matter and believes that labeling his game as a JRPG or any specific genre does not restrict his creative vision. Hamaguchi emphasized that he aims to create games for a global audience, transcending traditional genre boundaries.
Hamaguchi’s perspective stands in contrast to the remarks made by Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida, also known as Yoshi-P, in the past. Yoshida criticized the term “JRPG” as being discriminatory. This sparked an online debate about the definition of a JRPG. GamesRadar’s Dustin Bailey even delved into the origins of the genre and explored the challenges of defining it. The debate resurfaced in September when Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth creative director Tetsuya Nomura and producer Yoshinori Kitase shared opposing opinions. In this context, Hamaguchi’s lack of concern for labels shines in its refreshing indifference.
Creating Without Limitations
Hamaguchi makes it clear that his focus is not on conforming to genre expectations but on crafting the game he envisions. He asserts that he does not confine himself to the limitations of a specific genre and instead embraces the freedom to create without boundaries. While acknowledging that the world may perceive Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as a JRPG, Hamaguchi emphasizes that he is unbothered by such categorizations. His dedication lies in the process of making the game he desires, irrespective of how others label it.
Despite Hamaguchi’s nonchalant stance, it is widely accepted that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth falls within the JRPG genre, especially when compared to its predecessor, Final Fantasy 16, which adopted a more action-RPG direction. The game is set to launch on the PS5 on February 29, creating excitement among fans. Additionally, a demo of the game is available for eager players to experience a taste of its gameplay.
Naoki Hamaguchi’s perspective as the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth offers an intriguing insight into the creator’s mindset. His indifference towards labels demonstrates a willingness to push boundaries and deliver a game that transcends traditional genre expectations. While the game may undeniably be categorized as a JRPG by most, Hamaguchi’s primary focus remains on creating a game that he is passionate about. As fans eagerly await the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, they can expect a game that showcases the vision and creative freedom of its director.
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