The wait for the as-yet untitled Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 has been long and complicated, and now that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is out, it’s clear that players want more. The stunning graphics and gameplay of the first two parts make it hard to wait. However, the second part didn’t come out until four years later, creating a big gap that would make anyone wonder when the last Part 3 would be released.

This isn't just about waiting; the time between the first and second parts offers important insights into how Square Enix is approaching this large project. The remake trilogy is an ambitious task and can't be rushed, which is important to understand if we're looking to guess when the final Part 3 will arrive. Part 3’s story is already finished, so it’s clear that the game is coming relatively soon.

How Much Time ed Between Final Fantasy 7 Remake & FF7 Rebirth?

What Was The Development Timeline For FF7 Rebirth?

Final Fantasy 7 Remake was launched on April 10, 2020, and its sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, was released on February 29, 2024, meaning there was about a four-year gap between the two games. However, this doesn’t accurately represent how long it took to develop the sequel. While working on Rebirth, the team was also busy creating Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, an upgraded version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake for the PlayStation 5, featuring better graphics and other improvements.

This extra work for Intergrade took around a year, so when that is considered, the actual development time for Rebirth was closer to three years. This quick turnaround is impressive, given the game's size. Rebirth expands the story beyond Midgar into a much larger open world. While the team reused some elements and the game engine from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, they also created many new features, including fresh environments, characters, and plot lines.

Yoshinori Kitase, the executive producer, noted in an interview with the Washington Post that developing the game for the PS5 made things easier and faster, especially compared to the extra time needed for the PS4 and PC versions of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Intergrade. He mentioned that the PS5’s hardware helped improve the workflow, and no major delays impacted the schedule. The ability to reuse assets from the first game and the efficiency of working with the PS5 were key in quickly completing a game of this size.

What This Means For FF7 Remake Part 3's Release

How Will The Past Impact FF7 Remake Part 3's Launch?

The time between the release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gives clues about how long it might take to develop the trilogy's final chapter. Looking at this gap helps fans understand key factors that could affect the making of Part 3, such as using existing game assets, the team's skills, and the overall size of developing a big RPG.

The short development period between Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth indicates that the process was very efficient. Square Enix reused assets and the game engine, which greatly sped up the work needed for the sequel. The team's experience with Unreal Engine 4 and the established gameplay systems helped make development smoother. It was likely even better because the core development team remained together.

However, assuming that the same efficiency level will apply to Part 3 is not straightforward. Although reusing assets will help, the final installment comes with challenges. As the last part of the trilogy, Part 3 will probably require more extensive storytelling work, which means additional time for writing scripts and recording voices. Plus, crafting a satisfying ending to the overall story will likely involve more complex level design and integration. Any ambitious new features they decide to add could also lengthen the development time.

Another important consideration is the overall size of the work. Even though some aspects might be easier due to past efforts, creating a complete and engaging conclusion to the FF7 story and providing closure for the characters will still take a lot of time and resources. Remake's and Rebirth's endings left a lot in the air, and the large amount of content needed for a major RPG release means that development will require significant effort.

FF7 Remake Part 3 Release Date Prediction

When Is FF7 Remake Part 3 Expected To Be Released?

Predicting when Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 might release means considering how long it took to develop the previous game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and looking at other factors at play. The immediate answer is 2027. Rebirth's development went faster than expected, even though it contains large open world sections. Initially, it was thought to take longer, but the team used resources and tools from Remake to speed things up.

If we take that three-year timeframe for Rebirth, it’s reasonable to think that Part 3 could come out around the same time. If work starts soon after Rebirth's release, we might see Part 3 launch between late 2026 and late 2027, provided everything goes smoothly. The high player count of Rebirth on PC will also ensure the sequel remains a priority.

Another thing to consider is the 30th anniversary of the original Final Fantasy 7 in September 2027. Square Enix might want to target that date for Part 3’s release to take advantage of the nostalgia and excitement around the anniversary. This could make a late 2027 release for the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sequel more likely.

Source: Washington Post