FF7 Rebirth Director: Aspiring to Create Games Like 'Shadow of the Colossus

##The world of game development is constantly evolving, and with it, the ambitions of its creators. Director Hino Tadakazu, the mastermind behind Final Fantasy VII: Reborn, recently shared his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in modern game development. While Reborn received widespread acclaim from both critics and players, some fans have expressed concerns about the Final Fantasy series straying from its roots. Hino, who is undoubtedly a loyal fan of the series, acknowledged these sentiments but also highlighted the practical constraints that come with creating AAA titles.

Hino admitted that, despite his passion for ambitious projects, he hasn't yet reached the point where he could replicate the scale of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Shadow of the Colossus. When asked about the influence of such high-budget productions, he explained that the costs of developing AAA games have skyrocketed. This increase isn't just about spending more money—it directly impacts the depth and completeness of the final product. "For a AAA title, every single aspect has to be top-tier," Hino stated. It's a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans of Final Fantasy VII: Reborn, which itself is a testament to what can be achieved with ambitious scope and polish.

That said, not every game needs to aim for that level of grandeur. Hino pointed out that 2A games—which focus on specific, deeply explored elements—often serve as a more practical alternative. These titles, he explained, can achieve remarkable depth by concentrating on a single facet of gameplay or storytelling. Given the budget limitations, this approach makes sense. It allows developers to create something meaningful without spreading themselves too thin. But Hino has his sights set on something more ambitious.

He expressed a strong desire to work on a game like Shadow of the Colossus, a title known for its raw, focused exploration of a single theme: the relationship between a player and colossal creatures. "I’d love to create something like that," he said, though he added that such a project would require ignoring many real-world factors. His current position at Square Enix, along with the company's expectations and his own responsibilities, makes such a dream project a distant possibility for now. However, he remains open to collaboration. "If the chance ever comes to work with a studio that specializes in that kind of thing, it would be incredible," he shared. From an industry perspective, he views the rise of 2A games as a healthy development—it allows for innovation without the pressure of massive budgets.

For now, Hino is fully immersed in the development of Final Fantasy VII: Reborn Part 3. The next chapter in this beloved saga will be released on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch2. While the exact release date is still under wraps, there are rumors that a DLC could follow if the timing aligns perfectly. For fans of the series, this is certainly an exciting development—one that balances the grand ambitions of AAA games with the focused creativity that defines titles like Shadow of the Colossus.