Final Fantasy 7 Remake Gains Support as Kitase Plans New Projects

Square Enix may be shifting its priorities away from remakes and towards original projects, according to Final Fantasy producer Yoshinori Kitase. The longtime developer, who currently serves as the franchise's brand manager, discussed the company's plans and explained why the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy was a special case rather than a permanent strategy.

Kitase said Square Enix is more likely to invest in new titles and games moving forward. However, he explained that remakes can still make sense when the right circumstances come together. In the case of Final Fantasy 7, several creators who worked on the original remained at the company and wanted to introduce its world to a new generation.

The Final Fantasy 7 project also allowed longtime fans to revisit a familiar story through a new production. Kitase described a desire to create something connected to the original while letting new players experience its appeal. His comments suggest that remakes will remain possible, but are unlikely to become Square Enix's main focus.

Kitase is not looking to lead another remake soon.

Despite continued fan interest in older entries, Kitase indicated that he is personally ready to move on from remake development. He said working on the Final Fantasy 7 remake had been fulfilling and that he currently wants to concentrate on creating new games. He does not have a particular remake in mind for the near future.

However, Final Fantasy 6 remains a frequent request among fans and people within Square Enix. Kitase acknowledged that interest, leaving open the possibility that another team could eventually take on the project. His comments do not confirm that a remake is in development, nor do they suggest that he intends to lead one himself at this stage.

Final Fantasy could expand into television and film again.

Kitase also discussed adapting Final Fantasy stories for film or television. He said he would welcome future games or television series inspired by the franchise's stories, suggesting that Square Enix has not ruled out expanding the series beyond games. The idea is notable given the commercial failure of the 2001 film Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

That film remains a difficult chapter in the company's history, but Kitase appears open to exploring adaptations under different circumstances. His comments were about potential opportunities rather than confirmed projects. No specific television series, film, production partner, or release schedule was announced, so any expansion beyond games remains an idea for the future at least for now.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reflects Final Fantasy's influence.

During the discussion, Kitase also praised Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, saying he had played the game and spoken with its creators. He was pleased to learn the developers drew inspiration from Final Fantasy. He also reflected on his own influences, sharing that movies, especially Star Wars, informed his own approach to creating the series.

Kitase's comments highlight the influence that Final Fantasy has had on developers beyond Square Enix. He emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from other forms of entertainment, and the conversation also noted familiar similarities between the franchise and Star Wars. His remarks were appreciative of Expedition 33 rather than an announcement of any collaboration.

Square Enix is considering how to reach younger players.

Kitase suggested that younger audiences may be more interested in games built around battles and action than experiences driven primarily by story. He said he would like to explore that preference in a future project without losing the storytelling qualities associated with Final Fantasy. That approach could give the series another way to appeal to newer players.

He also mentioned looking at a game with a stronger focus on battle, which he sees as interesting for younger players. The comments do not confirm a new action-focused Final Fantasy project. Still, they indicate that Square Enix is considering how the franchise might evolve while retaining the elements that define its identity.

The direction of Final Fantasy's next mainline entry remains unclear.

Kitase's remarks leave several questions about the franchise's future unanswered, including what direction Final Fantasy 17 might take. The series has explored different combat systems over the years, and his comments suggest that Square Enix is still thinking about how to balance action, battles, and storytelling for different audiences.

Turn-based role-playing games such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Persona 5 have also shown strong appeal, leaving the future direction open. Kitase did not reveal plans for Final Fantasy 17 or confirm a return to turn-based combat. For now, Square Enix appears more interested in developing new experiences than committing to another major remake for its next major numbered release.