Final Fantasy VII Remake Dev on Streamlined Progression: Players Should Have the Choice in How to Interact with Content

Final Fantasy VII Remake is set to finally arrive on Xbox Series X|S on January 22, 2026, and with its launch comes a significant new feature: Streamlined Progression. This system, designed to let players focus purely on the story and atmosphere, allows users to toggle features such as constantly full health or mana, maximum damage output, and other adjustments that effectively remove the traditional difficulty curve from the experience.

The feature will also be added via update to the PlayStation 5 and PC versions, bringing all existing platforms in line. In a recent interview with AUTOMATON Japan, Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi explained the motivation behind Streamlined Progression and why it was the right time to introduce it.

“The biggest reason was that we were finally able to announce the FFVII Remake trilogy’s multiplatform expansion. That timing was what really led to the decision to include Streamlined Progression,” Hamaguchi said. “Personally, I like to try many different games just to keep myself up to date, but I don’t really have the time, so I only get so far. Sometimes it makes me wish I had access to debug functions so I could cover more.”

Hamaguchi acknowledged that the feature has drawn mixed reactions, even internally. “Naturally, when we announce features like these, we get responses like ‘This is sacrilegious!’ Even within the dev team, there are people who feel that way. But unless someone takes the initiative, it doesn’t happen. I personally believe that, with digital entertainment today, the player should have the choice in how they interact with content. That’s why I pushed for it.”

While Square Enix does not plan to introduce a similar feature at the launch of the third installment in the remake trilogy, Hamaguchi clarified that for a game that has already been available for more than five years, such an option now feels appropriate. Streamlined Progression, he noted, provides an opportunity for both returning fans and newcomers to experience the story without the grind. With the feature enabled, a full playthrough of Final Fantasy VII Remake can take around 10 hours or less, compared to the typical 40–50 hour runtime of a standard playthrough.

This addition aligns with a broader industry trend of accessibility and player choice, where developers are increasingly offering flexible ways to experience narrative-driven games. For some fans, it’s a welcome option that makes replays or catch-up runs easier; for others, it raises questions about whether simplifying gameplay dilutes the sense of challenge and reward that defines classic RPG design.

Regardless, Hamaguchi’s stance is clear: in an era where players’ time is increasingly divided, giving them control over how to engage with a game is more important than preserving a single “intended” experience.

What do you think, does Streamlined Progression enhance player freedom, or does it take away part of what makes Final Fantasy VII Remake special? Share your thoughts below.