Square Enix decided not to change the technological foundation for the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy finale. Part three is still being created on Unreal Engine 4, and the studio has a clear explanation for ultimately abandoning Unreal Engine 5.
Previous Entries on UE4
The first two games — Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth — ran on the fourth version of the Unreal engine. Fans expected the concluding chapter of Cloud and friends' adventures would use the more current Unreal iteration — the fifth. This option was indeed considered. Back in 2024, Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi said the team was weighing all upgrade pros and cons, considering whether UE5 would accelerate development or conversely complicate the process.
Final Decision Explained
In a new GameSpot interview, Hamaguchi confirmed the final decision. According to him, over years of work, Square Enix has so deeply reworked Unreal Engine 4 for project needs that switching engines would be unnecessary risk. The team knows UE4 well and feels confident with it — more important than nominal "newness."
Hamaguchi noted that UE4 may look outdated today against UE5, but all key tools are already adapted for the trilogy's specific tasks. This allows developing the game faster without unnecessary losses on retraining and reworking workflows.
Official Title Confirmed
In the same conversation, the game director confirmed part three has an official title. Creative Director Tetsuya Nomura made the final choice late last year, shortly after Paris Games Week. The name remains secret but is definitively approved.
Switch 2 Benefits
The decision to stay on Unreal Engine 4 may benefit Switch 2 owners. Square Enix previously promised to release the entire trilogy on Nintendo's new console. Final Fantasy 7 Remake already launched on Switch 2, and Rebirth plus part three will also reach the platform, according to Hamaguchi.
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