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Final Fantasy 17 Director Rumors: Hamaguchi Hesitation Sparks Speculation

Simon Ellis 2 min read

Square Enix has not confirmed Final Fantasy 17 details. Speculation grows about Naoki Hamaguchi after his hesitation during a Final Fantasy 14 event.

Final Fantasy 17 Director Rumors: Hamaguchi Hesitation Sparks Speculation
GAMES

Square Enix has not officially announced Final Fantasy 17, but fan speculation is intensifying about who will lead the next mainline entry. The debate centers on whether the project is already in production and which director might take the helm. This matters to players who are eager to know if the studio is actively developing the sequel or if the timeline remains uncertain. We are tracking these developments to understand the current state of the franchise's future.

Square Enix producer addresses fan reactions to director's stage comments

The speculation gained traction during a Final Fantasy 14 event where producer Naoki Yoshida welcomed Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi to the stage. Hamaguchi hesitated to answer a direct question about whether he was working on Final Fantasy 17, a moment that sparked widespread discussion among attendees and online communities. Yoshida later addressed the moment by noting that many fans expressed a wish for Hamaguchi to direct the game, but he emphasized that Hamaguchi did not have to confirm anything.

Several key facts shape the current narrative around the project. Yoshida previously hinted in a 2024 IGN interview that a new director might eventually take over Final Fantasy 17. Hamaguchi has also expressed interest in tackling a new JRPG after completing his work on Final Fantasy 7 Revelation. However, Square Enix has not confirmed that Hamaguchi is currently working on the title, and the article notes that the 17th mainline addition remains a mystery even if many gamers believe it is already in production.

We looked at Final Fantasy VII Revelation Director Naoki earlier while tracking Square Enix launches. The current status of Final Fantasy 17 relies on indirect signals rather than official announcements. Players should expect further clarity only when Square Enix provides concrete details about the project's development and leadership.

Source: NotebookCheck