Final Fantasy 7 Director Praises The Witcher 3 as Inspiration for RPG Developers

Final Fantasy VII remakes director Naoki Hamaguchi has revealed that The Witcher 3 still serves as a major source of inspiration for him.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has remained a primary benchmark for RPG creators for more than a decade. CD Projekt RED’s game has shaped not only player expectations for open worlds and side quests, but also the workflows of developers working on other major franchises.

Following the gamescom Opening Night Live ceremony, Final Fantasy VII remakes director Naoki Hamaguchi called sharing a stage with representatives of one of his favorite games “a great honor.” Speaking with CD Projekt President Michał Nowakowski, the Japanese developer added that The Witcher 3 remains one of his primary sources of inspiration.

The admiration proved mutual. A level designer for The Witcher 4 responded that Final Fantasy VII holds a special place in their heart. The encounter at gamescom marked an exchange of compliments between teams working on two of the largest RPG franchises.