If you have been worried that the high-budget, action-heavy template of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy would become the standard for every classic title in the series, Square Enix has some reassuring news. In a recent shareholders' meeting, the publisher clarified that it is not adopting a one-size-fits-all strategy for its future remake projects.
A Flexible Approach to Remakes
Rather than committing to a single design philosophy, Square Enix confirmed that future remakes will be handled on a case-by-case basis. According to the team, the company is utilizing a "market-in" approach, which relies on "trial and error" to establish what works best for modern audiences. This strategy focuses on assessing current market needs and trends while trying to strike a balance between those modern shifts and the expectations of players who hold the original titles dear.
"While specific titles may call for specific mechanics, we will continue our development efforts by assessing what truly resonates within the current market environment for both original titles and new remakes," the company stated. This suggests that the studio is open to experimenting with different styles, potentially moving away from the open-world, action-driven format seen in the Final Fantasy 7 projects if a different direction better suits a specific game.
Experimenting with Combat and Art
The company’s willingness to experiment is already visible in recent announcements. During a June Nintendo Direct, Square Enix revealed a new HD-2D Final Fantasy title, which returns to the classic turn-based combat systems that defined earlier entries in the franchise. This move signals that the publisher is not strictly wedded to the action-RPG mechanics that currently dominate the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy.
For fans who have been hoping to see other classics—such as Final Fantasy 9 or Final Fantasy 8—reimagined with their original artistic identities intact, these comments offer a sliver of hope. By moving away from a uniform "blockbuster" requirement, Square Enix may have more room to explore unique visual styles, such as the storybook-like aesthetic of Final Fantasy 9, rather than forcing every game into the same high-fidelity mold.
Of course, concrete plans remain elusive. While the rumored Final Fantasy 9 remake was previously spotted in the infamous Nvidia GeForce leak, reports have since suggested that project is currently "on ice." For now, it is clear that Square Enix is prioritizing flexibility over a singular remake formula, leaving the door open for a wider variety of experiences as the company looks to the future of its back catalog.