Square Enix could switch to Unreal Engine 5 for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3

Square Enix could switch to Unreal Engine 5 for development of the final part of its Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi told CG World Japan that the company planned to assess the pros and cons of sticking with Unreal Engine 4 versus moving to Epic’s newer engine.

As spotted by X user Genki, Hamaguchi said he thinks what players want most is for Square Enix to deliver the final game in good shape as soon as possible.

With that in mind, the company will weigh up whether switching to Unreal Engine 5 is likely to accelerate development.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake was released for PS4 in April 2020. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, an upgraded version of the game that included a DLC expansion titled Episode Intermission, arrived for PS5 in June 2021. And Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was released in February 2024.

Hamaguchi said Rebirth took four years to develop in parallel with Final Fantasy 7 Intergrade

Final Fantasy 7 remake series producer Yoshinori Kitase previously said he hopes to complete the final part of the trilogy in a similar timeframe to the second game.

The original Final Fantasy 7 will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027.

Square Enix president Takashi Kiryu said in April that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Final Fantasy 16 and Foamstars had all sold less than expected.