Square Enix is knee-deep in various projects, but one of them could also be Final Fantasy 17. In a light-hearted back-and-forth on stage with fellow Final Fantasy director Naoki Hamaguchi, Naoki Yoshida, AKA Yoshi-P, has hinted at the game’s development and Hamaguchi’s strong involvement.
Hamaguchi has been working on Final Fantasy games since 2006 and was tasked with directing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Revelation.
A new segment featuring two of Square’s top directors might have inadvertently told us more about Final Fantasy 17.
Final Fantasy 17 to be Directed by Naoki Hamaguchi?
A viral clip from Final Fantasy XIV 2026 Fan Festival in Berlin shows both FF 14 director and producer Yoshi-P, and recent remake director Naoki Hamaguchi on stage, sharing some laughs and interacting with the crowd.
They are speaking their native Japanese tongue, so the translation is courtesy of the @aitaikimochi X account.
But this is believed to be the exchange:
“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!”
Obviously, it’s interesting to see Final Fantasy 17 being brought up, and Yoshi-P is discussing the prospective sequel and the fact that it might already be happening.
This isn’t the first time FF 17 has been referenced, as in 2025, Yoshi-P discussed Final Fantasy 17 and turn-based combat.
- More Insider Gaming: Gamers Plan PlayStation Blackout, But Will It Mean Anything to Sony?
However, this is a telltale sign that Hamaguchi could be dual-wielding the directorial duties of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation and Final Fantasy 17.
Many people have enjoyed Hamaguchi’s direction in the reboot games, but not all. This would be one of the first times he will spread more than just one wing for a new FF game, and we’ll see if it’s confirmed.
You can see the full video below.
Are you excited for Final Fantasy 17? Let us know through the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.
For more Insider Gaming content, check out ‘Rockstar Games Co-Founder Feels Players Should Still Have Physical Game Options,’ and be sure to sign up for our free Weekly Newsletter.
Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
More from Andrew Highton
Comments