I’m Worried FFVII Rebirth Director Might Be Right About RPGs

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Role-playing games come in many different forms. Some developers focus on creating a strong, story-driven experience, while others prioritize fast-paced action. Traditionally, RPGs used turn-based combat, but modern games can now use more powerful technology to allow players to move and fight freely in larger environments. Neither style is better than the other – each works best depending on the game being made.

Whether you prefer one style of game over another, it’s clear that modern gaming is leaning heavily towards a particular approach. This trend is so noticeable that a director working on the Final Fantasy VII remakes has commented on how player preferences are influencing game design. I’m concerned he’s right, as this could limit the possibilities for both types of games.

FFVII Rebirth Director Thinks Modern Audiences Are Leaning More Towards Real-Time

In a recent interview with Game Informer, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Remake, explained the decision to combine traditional turn-based combat with faster, real-time action. He said the team wanted to appeal to modern gamers who generally prefer the quicker pace and more engaging gameplay of action-focused titles. This approach is also expected in the third and final game of the trilogy.

He still thinks traditional turn-based RPGs have a place in gaming, but he’s noticed younger players prefer faster-paced, real-time games. He believes this generation grew up expecting immediate responses to their actions. Because of this, it’s not surprising that turn-based games are evolving to include action elements and real-time choices. This change shows players want both strategic depth and instant gratification.

Recent popular games show a clear trend: action is taking center stage in the RPG world. This is evident in hits like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Path of Exile 2, Diablo IV, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, even beyond the success of remakes like Final Fantasy VII. Many franchises are also mixing RPG elements with fast-paced, first-person shooter action, as seen in games like Mass Effect, Cyberpunk 2077, and Fallout. Over time, these games have grown in popularity, while more traditional, turn-based RPGs have become less common.

Even If Most Games Are Turning To Real-Time Action, I Still Want Some Turn-Based Games

Real-time action RPGs are enjoyable, and can really enhance a game. Even when they combine action with more complex systems, like in the Final Fantasy VII remake, it can create exciting and visually impressive battles, despite requiring quick menu navigation. However, I find that these games often lack the special satisfaction that comes with the strategic depth of turn-based combat.

The fast-paced battles in some RPGs can disrupt the slower, more thoughtful feel of others. Many RPGs allow players to carefully plan their battle strategies and develop a unique fighting style, and that’s a good thing. Games like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and People of Note demonstrate this by including active defensive options that make turn-based combat more engaging.

Games like Baldur’s Gate 3 fully embrace turn-based combat, showcasing the incredible depth and choices available in that style. These games feel more like traditional turn-based RPGs, emphasizing careful planning and precise actions in combat. This can be very satisfying when you take the time to strategize and find the best approach. It’s a different kind of accomplishment than in real-time RPGs, where successfully dodging and attacking quickly adds to the excitement.

Although both Mass Effect 3 and Baldur’s Gate 3 are role-playing games, they offer distinct experiences. While the moment-to-moment combat feels very different in each game, they share key RPG elements like character progression, meaningful relationships with party members, and expansive world design. I enjoy both styles of gameplay – sometimes I prefer the first-person shooter experience of exploring a desolate world like in Fallout 4, carefully avoiding enemies and aiming for accurate shots.

I really love games like People of Note because it’s so satisfying to carefully plan each turn and make strategic decisions. What concerns me, though, is that a lot of older RPG series are moving away from traditional turn-based combat. We’ve seen it with games like the Final Fantasy VII remakes, which are much more action-focused. I think there’s room for both kinds of RPGs, but it feels like action RPGs are becoming way more popular, and I’d hate to see turn-based RPGs disappear completely. It would be a real loss for the genre.

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2026-05-18 19:21