Naoki Hamaguchi has confirmed that Final Fantasy VII Revelation's ending will incorporate elements from multiple FFVII spin-offs, including Advent Children, Dirge of Cerberus and Crisis Core, raising new questions about the trilogy's narrative direction
Final Fantasy VII Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi has clarified that the upcoming conclusion to the Remake trilogy will actively integrate storylines and lore from several Final Fantasy VII spin-offs, not just the main game and Advent Children. This approach marks a significant shift in how Square Enix is treating the interconnected universe of FFVII, with Hamaguchi stating that the team is deliberately considering the wider narrative established by titles such as Dirge of Cerberus and Crisis Core.
Spin-Off Integration Confirmed
Speaking at Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival Berlin 2026, Hamaguchi addressed ongoing speculation about how Revelation's ending might connect to the events of Advent Children. He explained that the development team is not limiting itself to a single property, but is instead working to ensure that the conclusion acknowledges the broader FFVII universe. This includes direct references and narrative links to Dirge of Cerberus, Crisis Core, and the Advent Children film, with the intention of creating a more unified canon across the franchise.
Hamaguchi's comments follow earlier statements from producer Yoshinori Kitase, who previously indicated that the Remake trilogy would ultimately align with Advent Children's established timeline. Kitase emphasised that while the story would not simply repeat the original game's events, the overall arc would remain consistent with the established canon, albeit with new elements to keep players uncertain about the precise outcome.
What This Means for the Trilogy
The decision to weave in multiple spin-offs has prompted debate within the Final Fantasy community. Some players have expressed concern that the trilogy's narrative may drift too far from the original game's structure, while others are intrigued by the prospect of a more interconnected universe. Hamaguchi has acknowledged these discussions, stating that the team is aware of fan theories and is working to balance respect for the original with the ambition to create a cohesive overarching story.
In a previous interview, Hamaguchi described the Remake series as a "new, overarching universe" that incorporates the lore of all major FFVII spin-offs. He stopped short of confirming whether Revelation's ending will directly lead into Advent Children, but made clear that the film's events are now considered part of the Remake's narrative framework. This approach is consistent with Square Enix's recent strategy of treating the FFVII universe as a single, evolving canon.
Release Timing and Platform Details
Final Fantasy VII Revelation is scheduled for release in spring 2027, with simultaneous availability on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. This marks the first time a mainline FFVII title will launch across all major platforms at once, reflecting Square Enix's commitment to broad accessibility for the trilogy's conclusion.
While specific gameplay footage of Revelation's ending has not yet been shown, Hamaguchi has indicated that players will have some influence over story moments, though all players will ultimately reach a single canonical ending. The exact nature of how spin-off elements will be incorporated remains under wraps, with further details expected closer to launch.
Ongoing Community Discussion
The integration of multiple spin-offs into Revelation's ending has fuelled ongoing debate among fans, with some welcoming the expanded narrative scope and others preferring a more faithful adaptation of the original. This tension echoes similar discussions around other major franchise reinterpretations, such as the response to The Last of Us Part 2's narrative direction, which was explored in our coverage of Tom Holland's comments on his attachment to the original game experience (read more here).
As anticipation builds for the trilogy's conclusion, Square Enix has yet to confirm whether additional downloadable content or post-launch expansions are planned for Revelation. For now, the focus remains on delivering a finale that unites the various threads of the FFVII universe while offering a definitive conclusion for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Understanding how multiple spin-offs are being woven into a single narrative highlights the concept of canon in gaming franchises. Canon refers to the officially recognised storyline or set of events within a fictional universe. When developers choose to integrate or reinterpret material from spin-offs, films or side stories, it can reshape what is considered the "true" sequence of events. This process can create both opportunities for richer storytelling and challenges in maintaining consistency, especially in long-running series with multiple adaptations and reinterpretations.
