Square Enix’s Naoki Hamaguchi has again commented on game-key cards, and now directly spoke about why we wouldn’t be seeing Final Fantasy 7 Remake on Nintendo Switch 2 if they didn’t exist.
Despite some backlash, many publishers have been bringing out their titles as game-key cards. Final Fantasy 7 Remake was one instance of this, and it’ll be happening again with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – and almost certainly the series’ conclusion as well.
According to Hamaguchi as shared in an Automaton interview, a big barrier in this particular case is loading. When using internal storage, things are significantly faster. If using the typical cartridge with all data included, “the load speed difference is roughly double.” Storage capacity is another issue – the title is just too big to fit on even the highest cart. It was noted that previously, “when faced with practical issues related to load speed and storage capacity we couldn’t resolve, we had to decide not to release on Nintendo systems.”
Hamaguchi’s full words:
“There’s simply no way around key cards in certain respects. If you compare loading directly from a game cartridge (containing all game data) to loading from the Nintendo Switch 2’s internal storage, the load speed difference is roughly double.
Some have expressed concern that multiplatform development may impose constraints not only on graphics, but even on game design itself. However, this is precisely why we didn’t choose a cartridge.
Our game design isn’t built around loading all data upfront, with nothing further being loaded afterward. Even during gameplay, data is constantly swapped in and out, and given that premise, the loading speed from a game card would inevitably be insufficient, leading to stress for the player. In addition, with currently available cartridge capacity, there is the practical limitation that the full game data simply wouldn’t fit in the first place.
However, as long as we can secure the high-speed storage read speeds such as SSD or UFS (on Switch 2), the design we’re aiming for becomes achievable within the scope of optimization for each platform. For the third game in the trilogy, we’re proceeding with development with the goal of delivering a large-scale experience similar to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, so please rest assured on that point.
In the past, when faced with practical issues related to load speed and storage capacity we couldn’t resolve, we had to decide not to release on Nintendo systems. However, Nintendo Switch 2’s performance is impressive, and with a key card format like FFVII Remake, releasing the games became possible. I believe the only thing I can do is continue to sincerely communicate that fact to users.
Despite everything, I’m relieved that FFVII Remake reached our customers and was well-received. I think we’ve been able to play a significant role in broadening awareness of the key card format for future titles. I have absolutely no intention of demanding that all gamers accept key cards. I would simply be happy if people could understand that there are games that can only be released because the key card format made it possible.”
Hamaguchi spoke about game-key cards a little while back as well and acknowledged the fan perspective. However, while understanding the negativity, he hopes people become “more accepting of it since “from a developer’s perspective, it allows us to do things we might not otherwise do.” You can read more about these comments here.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake is currently out on Nintendo Switch 2. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will follow in June.
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