Square Enix Directors Hint at Final Fantasy 17’s Possible Director
Naoki Yoshida brought up fan requests for Naoki Hamaguchi to lead the next numbered entry before stopping him from answering.
Final Fantasy 17 may already be taking shape behind the scenes, although Square Enix has not announced the project. A playful exchange between Naoki Yoshida and fellow director Naoki Hamaguchi gave fans another reason to wonder whether Hamaguchi could lead the next numbered entry.
The moment came during the Final Fantasy XIV 2026 Fan Festival in Berlin. Yoshida, better known as Yoshi-P, appeared on stage with Hamaguchi, whose recent work includes directing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Revelation.
Yoshida Stops Hamaguchi From Answering
A translated exchange shared in a July 26 X post had Yoshida mention that fans were complimenting Hamaguchi and saying they wanted him to make FF17. Yoshida then told Hamaguchi that he did not have to answer.
Did…Yoshi-P just hint that Hamaguchi is maybe working on FF17?? LOL
Yoshi-P: I think it's one of the biggest compliments people were saying in the comments they wish Hamaguchi is making FF17. But you don't have to answer…!
Hamaguchi: If I answer…
Yoshi-P: No, no, don't! pic.twitter.com/7KaNpK67nM
— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) July 26, 2026
Hamaguchi replied, “If I answer…” before Yoshida quickly cut him off with, “No, no, don’t!” The exchange does not confirm that Hamaguchi is directing the game, but Yoshida’s reaction made the brief conversation stand out.
Hamaguchi has worked on Final Fantasy projects since 2006 and became one of the series’ most visible directors through the modern remake releases. His involvement with both Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Final Fantasy 7 Revelation has already placed him at the center of Square Enix’s current plans for the franchise.
For now, Square Enix has not shared a release window, platforms, story details, or an official creative team for Final Fantasy 17. The Berlin exchange is only a tease, but it suggests the next numbered game remains a topic of discussion among the company’s senior Final Fantasy developers.
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