Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has publicly praised the PC modding community. This stance marks a significant departure from the typically cautious approach of Japanese game developers towards fan modifications.
Hamaguchi highlighted the transformative role of mods in the gaming industry, pointing to franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls as prime examples. These series have thrived long after release, thanks to vibrant modding communities that continually breathe new life into the games.
What makes Hamaguchi’s comments particularly noteworthy is the legal and cultural context in Japan. Mods exist in a gray area, often likened to taboo topics in social discussions. Most companies adopt a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, recognizing the promotional benefits of fan creations while avoiding direct endorsement.
This positive view of modding from a high-profile Japanese developer could signal a change in industry attitudes. It follows similar sentiments expressed by From Software’s Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of the Dark Souls series. These perspectives contrast sharply with the historically stricter stance of companies like Nintendo and Capcom, especially regarding competitive gaming.
Hamaguchi’s embrace of modding culture aligns with growing trends in the global gaming industry. Many developers now see mods as valuable extensions of their games, fostering creativity and extending product lifespans. This approach has proven particularly successful on PC platforms like Steam, where mod support is increasingly expected by players.
