New footage of the game was shown at the Final Fantasy 7 25th anniversary celebration, presented by producer Yoshinori Kitase. Kitase also confirmed not only the game’s release - winter 2023 - but that the entire remake project will consist of three parts. That’s Remake, Rebirth, and an as yet unnamed third game.
The footage shows Cloud, Zack, and Sephiroth, with a female voiceover. “Wait, what are you implying? That I died? That I’m some kind of imposter?” says the voice (Aerith or Tifa?). Looks like with Rebirth, the team is truly playing with the story of the original. And, as expected, the footage looks stunning. So far it’s announced only for PS5. “The development of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been progressing rapidly since we adopted a new development structure,” creative director Tetsuya Nomura said. “A title of this scale in which everything is interconnected even before production began is truly rare. In fact, some development has already begun on the third title. I myself have started on the development and am working towards the compleition of the series.” Said director Naoki Hamaguchi: “The Final Fantasy 7 remake project will be a three-part trilogy, but Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is much more than just one instalment in the series. We are developing it with all of the passion and dedication needed to create an original game and plan to deliver the ultimate gameplay and world building experience.” Kitase added: “Making the middle part of a trilogy has its own challenges, but there are plenty of classic second instalments in the world of film that are defined by stunning story twists and deeper explorations of their characters. Often these second instalments become a favourite amongst the fans. “In the same vein, we are aiming to make Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth an even more gripping and memorable experience than Final Fantasy 7 Remake, so please wait a little longer while we finish up.”
