Nomura locks in FF7 Remake Part 3 reveal, says KH4 is on track — but here’s the real story

Why this update actually matters

This caught my attention because Tetsuya Nomura rarely gives firm signals about timing. During Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis’ second anniversary stream, he reassured fans that Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 and Kingdom Hearts IV are “progressing well and on schedule.” He added that the “date and place” of the FF7 Part 3 reveal are already decided-then clammed up to preserve the surprise. Translation: the marketing plan is locked. But what does that mean for us actually playing these games?

Key takeaways

• FF7 Remake Part 3’s reveal timing is set, suggesting the project is deep into production.
• “On schedule” sounds great, but Nomura’s history means we should still expect careful pacing, not sudden releases.
• Kingdom Hearts IV is moving, but it’s a longer road-don’t bank on it arriving before FF7 Part 3.
• Square Enix’s recent shift toward faster multiplatform releases could change how and where we play these next entries.

Breaking down the announcement

Nomura’s wording here is telling. Deciding “date and venue” for a reveal months in advance is classic Square Enix-think State of Play, Summer Game Fest, or Tokyo Game Show. The point is less “imminent launch” and more “controlled rollout.” Based on recent reports, voice recording has been underway and the scenario was locked last year. If that holds, Part 3 is in the late content-complete phase where tuning, cinematics, and polish take center stage.

Here’s the context that matters: Final Fantasy VII Remake launched in 2020, Rebirth hit PS5 in early 2024, and the gap between parts shortened as tools, assets, and pipelines matured. Part 3 benefits from that groundwork. Expect fewer years between Rebirth and the finale than between Remake and Rebirth—but keep your hype in a realistic zone. Late-game RPG development is a magnet for delays, especially on performance polish and cutscene integration.

What this likely means for FF7 Remake Part 3

From a player’s perspective, Part 3 should be the systems payoff. Rebirth’s combat refined the hybrid ATB action with smarter synergy abilities and a bigger playground. The finale is where Square Enix typically tightens encounter design, leans into high-stakes boss strings, and resolves character builds. If you loved Rebirth’s duo skills and buildcraft, expect further tuning rather than a reinvention.

On the narrative side, the big question is how boldly the remake trilogy diverges in its endgame. Rebirth proved the team isn’t afraid to play with expectations without losing the heart of the original. Part 3 has to thread that needle: give us the catharsis we’ve waited decades for, while justifying why this trilogy exists beyond prettier graphics. Nomura’s “surprise” talk suggests he knows the finale’s choices will be scrutinized as hard as any Square Enix ending this generation.

Practical heads-up: plan on a PS5-first rollout with PC later. Square Enix has been moving faster on PC ports recently, but day-and-date still feels unlikely for FF7’s finale. If you’re mid-way through Rebirth, finish it—Part 3 will almost certainly reward players who know the expanded arcs of characters like Aerith, Tifa, and Red XIII inside and out.

Kingdom Hearts IV: steady, but don’t hold your breath

Nomura also says Kingdom Hearts IV is on schedule. Good news, but “on schedule” for KH is a different beast than FF7. Since its reveal, KH4 has shown a more grounded art direction with Quadratum, and everything about the project screams long-term build. It’s the kind of game that benefits from Unreal tech maturing and pipeline stability. Translation: you’ll see it in a bigger way after FF7 Part 3 stops hogging the spotlight.

What should KH fans do now? Revisit Kingdom Hearts III and the collections. The series’ narrative connective tissue is intricate, and KH4 is poised to pay off threads Nomura’s been weaving for years. Expect combat evolution rather than wholesale reinvention—flashy mobility, snappy Keyblade form swaps, and set-piece density that suits the more realistic environments teased so far.

The gamer’s perspective: hype vs. reality

I love that Nomura’s finally talking timelines out loud, but let’s not confuse “reveal locked” with “launch soon.” If Part 3 is entering the final stretch, great—that’s the part where Square Enix either nails pacing and performance or chases last-minute polish. The optimistic read is a shorter wait than last time thanks to asset reuse and a battle system already in its prime. The cautious read is that cinematic-heavy RPG finales are where schedules go to die.

Either way, this is the moment to catch up. Finish Rebirth, clean up endgame content, and refresh on the OG FF7’s late-game beats if you want to appreciate how far the trilogy chooses to stray—or not. For KH4, keep expectations measured and your save files organized. The road is long, but steady progress beats silence.

TL;DR

Nomura says FF7 Remake Part 3’s reveal timing is set and KH4 is on schedule. Expect the FF7 finale to surface first, with refined combat and big narrative swings; KH4 remains a slower burn. Get excited, but pack patience—reveal dates aren’t release dates.