Physical Discs Aren't Dead Yet: How a Top Director Saved Final Fantasy’s Boxed Edition

Director Naoki Hamaguchi has spoken out about his efforts to ensure a physical disc release for the latest Final Fantasy project, despite the gaming industry's aggressive shift toward digital-only distribution. Acknowledging fan desires for tangible media, Hamaguchi stated he fought to maintain a physical presence for the game to satisfy collectors and those wary of an all-digital future. This internal push highlights the growing tension between traditional media formats and the convenience of digital storefronts as publishers look to phase out physical production.