When the original Final Fantasy 7 released in 1997, it was to a fanbase that had already fallen in love with the classic RPG series. Even still, Final Fantasy 7 was highly renowned as a cut above the rest for the lovable characters and engaging story. The original acquired a cult following, with fans recreating their favorite moments, with cosplay, recreating in-game settings, or forcing their friends to sit through a 40 minute lore video. When the Final Fantasy 7 Remake was released for the PlayStation 4, fans were quick to snatch up the new copy of the classic game.
While the remake changed up a few things, many of fans' highlights were still there, recreated in beautiful 3D environments with evolved combat that requires just as much strategy as the turn-based original. The story in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake took some creative liberties, but it was done so tastefully that it's endearing to the overarching. However, since Final Fantasy 7 is only available on the PS4 and PS5 currently due to an exclusivity agreement that is soon expiring, here's what fans can expect as far as expanded access to this remake.
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Before the remake came out, it was widely reported that there would be a timed exclusivity window in which PlayStation would be the only console that would host Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Even the box art for the game lets players know that this would only be a timed exclusive. As it turns out, the end of the exclusivity period is April 10th, 2021, which means that the future releases of the game are completely open for ports. The most obvious choices would be a PC or Xbox p0rt, as those machines would be able to handle the specs for Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
Square Enix, the developer behind the remake, hasn't let much slip about where it expects the game to go in the future. With Final Fantasy 7's Remake exclusivity contract ending, it would make sense that Square Enix would capitalize on this property and get it to fans of the original who don't have access to a PS4. As of this moment, Square Enix has not let fans know what to expect now that the contract is expiring on the 10th, but that doesn't mean fans should immediately get discouraged that they won't get access. There have also been rumors that the exclusivity was extended with the upcoming release of Intergrade, but there has been no evidence of this from Square Enix or PlayStation.
What marks a year since the initial game's release is the end of the exclusivity agreement. This doesn't guarantee that gamers can expect an announcement for new consoles in the coming days, weeks, or even months after the contract ends, but the option is there. Although in all honesty, it seems silly to think that Square Enix would limit such a popular title to one platform, and makes sense that it would want to get out ports sooner rather than later. It isn't like PlayStation is losing an exclusive either, with Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade being released exclusively on the PS5 in June with an exclusive Yuffie episode and enhanced graphics.
A case could be made that Intergrade might serve as the next-gen PlayStation exclusive. With content that will enhance the PS5's version above its competition, it will still stand as a feather in PlayStation's cap. This would also give Square Enix the freedom to release the regular version of the game on other consoles, making themselves more money. This is just speculation, but would serve as a smart marketing scheme that would benefit the exclusive partnerships between PlayStation and Square Enix, much like their initial exclusivity agreement for the remake was designed to do.
There are likely those who'd prefer to see Final Fantasy 7 Remake remain exclusive to PlayStation, where the original first released. This would allow the developers to provide more attention to updates for the game, like the exclusive Yuffie episode. However, expanding to other consoles will bring in more revenue and allow for that content to be enjoyed by a much wider player base. This, in turn, will ensure a prosperous future for the Final Fantasy franchise, both financially and by showcasing the exceptional storytelling that has made the IP famous.
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