Exclusive Development Update: Tetsuya Nomura Assures Fans ‘Great Progress’ on ‘Kingdom Hearts 4’ and ‘Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3’

In a rare and highly anticipated public statement, celebrated game director Tetsuya Nomura has offered a confident reassurance to the global gaming community, confirming that both Kingdom Hearts 4 (KH4) and the concluding chapter of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, currently referred to as FF7 Remake Part 3, are making “great progress” and are proceeding according to their internal schedules. The updates, delivered during a recent live stream event, serve to quell speculation and anxiety surrounding the development timelines for two of Square Enix’s most significant and high-value intellectual properties.

The Final Fantasy Finale: Announcement Timing is ‘Decided’

The status of the third installment in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake project has been a primary focus for JRPG enthusiasts, particularly following the narrative shifts and controversial ending of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Nomura’s comments provide a clear, business-focused update on the project’s trajectory:

• Smooth Development Trajectory: Nomura stated that FF7 Remake Part 3 is “going very smoothly” and that the development team is highly focused on execution. This optimism is echoed by other key developers who have noted that the foundational work and massive world-building undertaken for Rebirth will significantly accelerate the final chapter’s development, potentially reducing the lengthy gap between entries observed previously.
• Locked Marketing Schedule: Crucially, the director confirmed that the official announcement timing for the title “has been decided, and we will stick to that schedule.” This is a strong indicator of a structured, planned marketing campaign designed to maximize anticipation and pre-order conversion rates. While no specific date was given, the firm schedule is meant to reassure fans that the reveal is not an abstract future concept but a fixed point in Square Enix’s communications pipeline.
• Playable Content Status: Further encouraging reports from the development team indicate that a substantial amount of the game is already in a playable state, with the current focus shifting towards refinement and polishing. This suggests the project is well past the prototyping phase and into feature completion.

The Final Fantasy 7 trilogy is not just a creative endeavor but a colossal investment vehicle for Square Enix. Ensuring a timely and successful conclusion is paramount to capitalizing on the established player base and justifying the immense production costs associated with these modern AAA titles.

‘Kingdom Hearts 4’: Making Great Strides According to Schedule

Information on Kingdom Hearts 4 has been notoriously scarce since its 2022 reveal trailer, leading to frequent fan concerns. Nomura addressed these comments directly, offering a similar but more succinct message of stability:

• Development Stability: The director affirmed that Kingdom Hearts 4 is “making great strides and is going according to schedule.” Given the series’ complex nature, which involves extensive collaboration and approval processes with Disney for its varied worlds and characters, this confirmation of adherence to the planned schedule is a significant point of confidence for investors and fans alike.
• The Disney Factor: The unique challenge of integrating popular Disney IPs—a significant licensing cost for Square Enix—requires meticulous planning. The ‘on schedule’ update implies that the demanding cross-company creative approvals, which can often bottleneck development, are being managed effectively.
• Expected Silence: Unlike the FF7 Remake which is nearing its finale, KH4 marks the beginning of a new arc. The continued silence since the announcement is typical of the early stages of a franchise installment of this size, where major reveals are strategically held back for maximum impact during key industry events. Fans should adjust their expectations from constant updates to major, infrequent information drops.

The simultaneous development of these two franchise heavyweights illustrates Square Enix’s dual focus on honoring its legacy while pushing next-generation gaming boundaries. While the wait for both titles continues, the director’s clear, consistent messaging is a valuable piece of the investor relations and fan engagement puzzle, building confidence in the eventual quality and timely delivery of these high-stakes releases. The market will now pivot to anticipating the confirmed “announcement timing” for FF7 Remake Part 3 to gain the first concrete window into a potential release date.