Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Thrives on Switch 2 and Xbox; Director Confirms Unreal Engine 4 for Trilogy Finale

Strong Launch Performance on New Platforms

Square Enix’s multiplatform strategy for the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy appears to be paying off. Following the January 22 release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S, series director Naoki Hamaguchi reports an "extremely positive" response. The title has secured high rankings on digital storefronts, while physical copies are seeing sell-outs at major retailers. Hamaguchi noted that global sales have been satisfying, driven by strong support from both Microsoft and Nintendo, who facilitated promotional opportunities with leadership and retail events.

Unreal Engine 4 Confirmed for Trilogy Finale

Addressing fan speculation regarding the technological backbone of the upcoming third installment, Hamaguchi confirmed that the team will continue using Unreal Engine 4. While acknowledging the advanced capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, such as Lumen and Nanite, the director explained that sticking with the current engine mitigates schedule risks.

By utilizing an established in-house graphics pipeline, the development team aims to optimize performance and streamline the porting process without the potential delays associated with adopting a new engine mid-development. Hamaguchi emphasized that this decision prioritizes delivering a superior product efficiently, rather than rebuilding the pipeline from scratch.

Development Progress and Team Stability

Production on the trilogy's finale is reportedly progressing smoothly. Hamaguchi attributes this efficiency to the stability of the core development team, many of whom have collaborated on the project for over a decade. This consistency in personnel has fostered clear communication and a unified vision for the franchise.

Fans of the series can look forward to the second installment, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, launching on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S on June 3. The director expressed gratitude for the feedback from the community and reaffirmed the team's commitment to delivering a satisfying conclusion to the Final Fantasy VII saga.