Final Fantasy XVI is very close to launch, but what about the other huge entry in the series Square Enix is working on? Last year saw the announcement of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second chapter in Square Enix’s ambitious multi-part Final Fantasy VII Remake project. Since then, we’ve received very little in the way of updates. The first chapter of the FF7 remake was shrouded in mystery for years and beset with delays, so will we be waiting just as long for Rebirth? Thankfully, it seems the answer is no.

　　Today, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth producer Yoshinori Kitase provided an update on the project, saying development is progressing smoothly, and, in fact, they’re currently working to solidify a release date.

　　“Development is progressing smoothly and according to plan. We are currently working on nailing down a release date for the [Final Fantasy VII Rebirth].”

　　Not a huge update, but it’s something. Previously, Square Enix said Final Fantasy VII Rebirth would arrive during winter of 2023, which is a somewhat tricky timeframe. Technically, winter doesn’t start until December 21, and stretches until March of the next year. Of course, speaking informally, people usually think of late November and most of December as “winter” as well, particularly if you live in a more northern climate. Most people have taken the “winter” release date to mean the game will arrive in late 2023 or early 2024. Given this most recent update, it seems like that timeframe may stick.

　　Not a lot is known about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth at this point, but one of the game’s co-directors have suggested it may diverge even further from the source material as FF7 Remake…

　　“As it says at the end of the game ‘The Unknown Journey Will Continue,’ and Cloud and his friends will be on that journey for a while yet. From here on in the Whispers cannot act to maintain the destined timeline, so fans can look forward to seeing what kind of future awaits the team.”

　　Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is coming to PS5. As mentioned, the game is currently slated for late 2023/early 2024.