Why Final Fantasy is now targeting PC as its "lead platform"
Ars Technica
by
Kyle Orland
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Final Fantasy is shifting its focus toward PC as its primary platform for development, with director Naoki Hamaguchi revealing that the PC now serves as the "lead platform" for creating high-end assets. This change marks a significant shift in the long-standing relationship between Final Fantasy and gaming consoles, with the PC version of *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* already showcasing improved graphical quality compared to previous iterations.
Hamaguchi explained that the development team prioritizes building visual assets for "high-end environments" first, such as PCs, and then scales them down for less powerful platforms like consoles. This approach ensures that the game's 3D assets are created at the highest possible quality using PC as the foundation. The improved visuals in *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth*'s PC version highlight this new philosophy, which Hamaguchi emphasized will continue into future installments, including the third game in the trilogy.
The shift is also driven by the growing international PC gaming market, despite limited growth in Japan. Recognizing the global demand for high-quality PC gaming experiences, Square Enix is adapting its development strategy to cater to this broader audience. This change not only benefits PC gamers but also enhances the overall quality of assets used across all platforms.
This strategic pivot matters because it reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry toward priorit
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Originally published on Ars Technica on 2/20/2026