When Developers Speak, Real Gamers Listen: Hamaguchi and the Old-School Comeback

The Gamerhood News

Every once in a while, a developer drops a comment that shakes the whole timeline — not because it’s controversial, but because it reminds us that the people making these games are fans just like us. That’s what happened when Final Fantasy VII Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi sat down for an interview at the Brazil Game Show and hinted that the next entry might pull inspiration from old-school, turn-based combat.

Now, before the timeline starts arguing again — this isn’t a confirmation. But it’s enough to make both sides of the fanbase raise an eyebrow. On one side, you’ve got the folks who grew up strategizing every move like it was chess. On the other, you’ve got the new generation who only knows fast, flashy combos and cinematic chaos. Somewhere between the two, Square Enix is trying to figure out who they really are in 2025.

But what Hamaguchi said hit me different. He mentioned how games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proved that classic JRPG systems can still hit just as hard today. That’s rare for a big-name director to admit — especially in an era where everything’s about speed, spectacle, and social clips. It’s like he low-key reminded everyone that nostalgia and depth still matter.

It got me thinking — maybe we’re entering a new phase of gaming. Not a “back in my day” era, but a balanced one. Where gameplay feels deliberate again. Where battles make you think, not just react. And where developers finally realize that respecting the old ways doesn’t mean ignoring the new.

If Final Fantasy XVII ends up blending both worlds — strategy and action — that might be the blueprint for the next decade of gaming. Because let’s be real: attention spans are short, but good storytelling never ages.

So here’s the real question — do we want faster fights, or do we want meaningful ones?