Fans of Square Enix’s biggest franchises received some long-awaited reassurance this week. During a livestream celebrating the second anniversary of Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis, creative director Tetsuya Nomura addressed questions about both Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 and Kingdom Hearts 4.
Mickey Mouse, Riku, Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy in Kingdom Hearts 3 – YouTube, Shadow Digital Entertainment
His comments were brief but clear: development is on track, and official announcements are coming sooner than some may expect.
“Going Very Smoothly” – The Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 Update
The most exciting moment of the livestream came when Nomura discussed progress on the third and final chapter of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy.
“It is going very smoothly,” he said. “The announcement timing has been decided, and we will stick to that schedule, so please rest assured and wait.”
Tifa in Final Fantasy VII Remake (2022), Square Enix
This follows earlier confirmation that the scenario for Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 was completed by the end of 2024, with full development beginning soon after Rebirth shipped. Co-director Naoki Hamaguchi also assured fans that the project is “making great progress.”
While no release date has been announced, Nomura’s statement indicates that Square Enix already has a clear roadmap in place for the game’s reveal.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Steadily Moving Forward
Nomura also took a moment to address the status of Kingdom Hearts 4. His comments were short, but they hit the right notes for a fanbase often left wondering about long development cycles.
“Kingdom Hearts 4 is likewise steadily moving forward according to schedule, so please look forward to it,” he said.
First announced in 2022, the game marks the beginning of the “Lost Master arc” in the Kingdom Hearts storyline. Though details remain scarce, Nomura’s reassurance that everything is “according to schedule” suggests the team is sticking to its internal milestones without delay.
Why These Updates Matter
For Square Enix, communication has always been a double-edged sword. Fans love hearing from Nomura, but the director’s reputation for complex timelines and delayed projects has made some wary.
A screenshot from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (2024), Square Enix
This time, however, the messaging is straightforward:
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 is not only in development but progressing smoothly. The reveal date is set.
- Kingdom Hearts 4 continues to advance on schedule, without any signs of trouble.
It’s a rare moment of clarity from a studio known for mystery and long silences.
Looking Ahead
Square Enix’s big-picture strategy depends heavily on these two titles. Final Fantasy VII Remake is one of the company’s most ambitious projects in years, and bringing its trilogy to a strong close will be critical. Meanwhile, Kingdom Hearts 4 serves as the next flagship entry in a franchise that blends Disney, Pixar, and Square Enix properties into a uniquely successful formula.
– YouTube, Shadow Digital Entertainment
Nomura didn’t overshare. He didn’t reveal dates, new footage, or gameplay details. But in a landscape where silence often fuels rumors of delays and cancellations, his clear message matters: Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 is on the way, and Kingdom Hearts 4 is progressing as planned.
For fans of both series, that’s the best news possible for now.
Are you going to play either Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 or Kingdom Hearts 4? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
