For years, PC gamers felt like the Final Fantasy series treated them as an afterthought, focusing mainly on consoles. However, that might be changing. Director Naoki Hamaguchi recently announced that the PC is now the “lead platform” for developing the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy.
In a recent interview, Hamaguchi shared that the team’s approach to graphics is shifting. They start by creating high-quality visuals for the PC first and then adjust them for consoles. This means the visual assets for the upcoming games are being designed with PC specifications at the forefront. Hamaguchi noted that players have already seen these improvements in the PC version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and this commitment to quality will continue in future releases.
The growth of PC gaming is evident, especially outside Japan. Hamaguchi mentioned that the increasing number of international PC gamers is influencing their development strategy. The recent PC versions of Final Fantasy VII Remake have performed well on platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store, showcasing a strong demand.
One lingering question remains: will PC gamers have to wait longer for new releases? Historically, the first Final Fantasy VII Remake came to PC 19 months after its PlayStation 4 launch. In comparison, Rebirth was released on PC 11 months after its PS5 debut. Other titles, such as Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy XV, also delayed their PC launches by more than a year.
In 2023, over 50% of gamers globally now prefer PC gaming, a notable rise from previous years. This shift not only shapes where games are developed but also influences how they are marketed. As the gaming landscape evolves, it’s clear that PC gamers will increasingly be at the forefront of future developments.
By focusing on high-quality, PC-first experiences, the Final Fantasy series could win over a whole new generation of fans, further bridging the gap between console and PC gaming. As this trend unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the gaming community reacts and adapts.
