Yoshi-P’s Stage Banter Hints at Hamaguchi’s Role in Unannounced Final Fantasy 17
During a Final Fantasy XIV fan event in Berlin, producer Naoki 'Yoshi-P' Yoshida teased that director Naoki Hamaguchi may be involved in the development of the next mainline Final Fantasy title. While no official announcement has been made, the exchange suggests Hamaguchi could be balancing work on Final Fantasy 7 Revelation with a new project, though his current schedule raises questions about potential delays.
Key points
- Yoshi-P and Hamaguchi appeared together at the Final Fantasy XIV 2026 Fan Festival in Berlin.
- Yoshi-P mentioned fan comments wishing Hamaguchi would direct Final Fantasy 17, calling it the 'highest praise' one can receive.
- Hamaguchi appeared embarrassed and hesitated to respond, prompting Yoshi-P to cut him off.
- Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is not scheduled for release until 2027, potentially complicating Hamaguchi’s ability to lead a new mainline entry simultaneously.
- Yoshi-P previously hinted in 2024 that a 'new person' might lead the next mainline Final Fantasy, suggesting it may not be Hamaguchi or himself.
Background
Square Enix has been actively developing multiple Final Fantasy projects, including the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy and the upcoming Final Fantasy Resonance. Hamaguchi has been central to the remake trilogy since 2006, directing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and currently leading Final Fantasy 7 Revelation. In 2025, Yoshi-P discussed the possibility of Final Fantasy 17 featuring turn-based combat, and in 2026, Square Enix indicated that future remakes would take varied approaches rather than repeating the heavy overhauls seen in the FF7 trilogy.
How outlets are covering it
Insider Gaming and GamesRadar+ both highlight the viral clip from the Berlin event, interpreting Yoshi-P’s comments as a strong hint that Hamaguchi is involved in Final Fantasy 17. Notebookcheck offers a more cautious view, noting that Hamaguchi’s heavy workload with Final Fantasy 7 Revelation could delay any new project. Additionally, Notebookcheck references Yoshi-P’s 2024 interview where he suggested a 'new person' might lead the next mainline entry, which complicates the assumption that Hamaguchi will be the director. All three outlets agree that no official confirmation has been made, but they differ on the likelihood of Hamaguchi’s involvement and the potential impact on release timelines.
Why it matters
The potential involvement of Hamaguchi in Final Fantasy 17 signals a shift in Square Enix’s strategy for the mainline series, moving away from remakes toward new original titles. If confirmed, it could indicate a multi-platform release strategy to boost long-term sales, as suggested by Notebookcheck. However, Hamaguchi’s current commitments to Final Fantasy 7 Revelation may lead to delays, affecting fan expectations and the studio’s release schedule. This development also reflects Square Enix’s broader efforts to diversify its Final Fantasy lineup and address market trends, including the impact of streaming on RPG sales.
What to watch
Fans will be watching for any official announcements from Square Enix regarding Final Fantasy 17, particularly at major gaming events like Gamescom or E3. The release of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation in 2027 will be a key indicator of Hamaguchi’s availability for new projects. Additionally, Square Enix may provide more clarity on its development priorities and potential new directors for the mainline series in upcoming interviews or press conferences.
- Final Fantasy 17 Development Teased by Square Enix Director Insider Gaming
- "I want this guy to make Final Fantasy 17": Yoshi-P embarrasses Final Fantasy 7 Remake lead with the "highest praise you can get" from players live on stage at FF14 Fan Fest GamesRadar+
- Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Hamaguchi may be working on Final Fantasy 17 Notebookcheck
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