FF7 Remake Director Thinks Streamers Are Dangerous To RPGs

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi worries that streamers are causing a “crisis” for the RPG genre, as those who watch the game may not feel inclined to play it themselves.

Ever since Final Fantasy 7 Revelation closed last week's big Summer Game Fest showcase, we've learned a lot about the third and final installment of the remake trilogy. Director Naoki Hamaguchi has given us plenty to look forward to, from the promised introduction of Scarlet and Tifa's battle getting the “care it deserves” to the possibility of a Dirge of Cerberus DLC.

One of the most interesting details to come out about Revelation is that it will have a lot more player choice than both Remake and Rebirth, both when it comes to select story moments and how players approach things like minigames and content. This degree of player agency is something Hamaguchi believes is necessary due to the rise of streamers causing a “crisis” for RPGs.

FF7 Remake Director thinks live streams are a problem for RPGs

That's why Revelation pushes player choice

As pointed out by Automaton, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi recently spoke with 4Gamer about the remake trilogy's final chapter, highlighting the renewed focus on player choice. While this is partly due to fan feedback and making the story more personal, Hamaguchi reveals that the rise of game streaming also played a role in the issue.

Hamaguchi notes that player choice is something that is needed for games in this era, as RPGs like Final Fantasy have to be “careful” that players aren't just satisfied with watching streamers play the game. The director calls it a “crisis for the work” and something creators can't “wholeheartedly look forward to.”

While Hamaguchi doesn't think all game streams are bad, he believes player choices can make those watching the streamers consider how they would have played the game and encourage them to try. On the other hand, focusing only on the story can make those watching live streams feel like they don't need the whole experience.

“I'm not saying all gaming videos are bad, but if they make people think 'what would I like to do?' or 'How could I try to figure that out?' then they're more likely to try it themselves.” – Naoki Hamaguchi

This isn't it a problem exclusive to RPGs, as pretty much every game released is immediately livestreamed and clipped to hundreds and thousands of viewers, but it is especially dangerous for story-focused games like Final Fantasy. If you feel like watching a collection of videos on YouTube is the same as actually playing a game, Hamaguchi and all the other developers are asking you to reconsider.