Square Enix's Kitase says studio to prioritize new IP over further remakes
Published 5 Nov 2026 · Games Atlas Editorial · Stated Intent & Exploration · Companies: Square Enix
Games Atlas summary: Kitase, Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy producer, told IGN Square Enix favors new titles. He feels very fulfilled by the trilogy and does not expect another remake soon. He did not rule out further adaptations, noting demand for a Final Fantasy VI remake. The remake trilogy spans 2020 to 2027, a seven year production cycle for one IP.
How to cite this page
Games Atlas — Games Industry Intelligence (2026). Square Enix's Kitase says studio to prioritize new IP over further remakes. Published 5 Nov 2026. https://gamesatlas.app/article/square-enixs-kitase-says-studio-to-prioritize-new-ip-over-further-remakes
Kitase frames the pivot as a deliberate investment choice
- Kitase, who directed the 1997 original, says Square Enix favors new titles.
- "I think that mainly, we are more likely to invest in new titles and new games." - Yoshinori Kitase, Final Fantasy VII Remake Trilogy Producer
- He says he feels fulfilled after completing the trilogy, reducing near term remake appetite.
The remake trilogy's seven year arc shows the resource lockup cost
- Final Fantasy VII Remake launched 2020, Rebirth followed in 2024.
- Revelation, the trilogy's final chapter, arrives April 8, 2027.
- That is a seven year production cycle tied to one franchise.
- Director Naoki Hamaguchi kept Unreal Engine 4 to avoid a slower Unreal Engine 5 rebuild.
The stated priority leaves room for another remake commitment
- Kitase does not rule out further Final Fantasy adaptations or remakes.
- "I don't see why that should not be a possibility in the future." - Yoshinori Kitase, Final Fantasy VII Remake Trilogy Producer
- He notes staff and fans have pushed for a Final Fantasy VI remake.
- His noncommittal response shows the new IP priority remains a soft preference.
What this means
- For Service Vendors: Pitch UE5 pipeline migration to Japanese AAA teams moving onto post-trilogy original projects.
- For Investors & VC: Underwrite higher new-IP launch risk in Japanese AAA publisher models beyond 2027.
- For Publishers & Developers: Greenlight classic-JRPG remakes to capture fan demand the genre leader is deprioritizing.