Square Enix Has Pulled Final Fantasy 7 Remake from External Developer

The Final Fantasy VII Remake is undergoing quite a shift in development. Though external studio CyberConnect2 was handling the game, Square Enix has decided to develop it in-house.

CyberConnect2 is known for their work on the .hack series, as well as some Naruto titles.

No specific reasons were given for this development change, though Square Enix’s Naoki Hamaguchi said it is a “sensitive subject” in a recent Mobius Final Fantasy stream. [via Gematsu]

“I’ve taken charge on the development side for Final Fantasy VII Remake,” Hamaguchi said. “…Until now, development was moving forward with external cooperation, but the company has decided to shift to an internal setup, including mass production and quality, because we want to control everything, including quality, on a stable schedule.”

We’ve learned not to expect fast-paced development schedules from Final Fantasy games, but this change really throws a wrench into production.

Who knows exactly how much work will have to be redone now that Square Enix is taking full control of the remake, especially since it will be released in multiple entries like the Final Fantasy XIII series. The multi-part remake will follow the original story of Final Fantasy VII, and each installment is expected be the size of a full game.

Square Enix has assured us not to expect Final Fantasy VII Remake–or Kingdom Hearts III–until 2018 at the earliest, but don’t hold your breath for even that short of a time. Final Fantasy XV was in development for 10 whole years.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is coming to PS4, eventually. Check back with A9K for the latest updates.