Acknowledgement of the Modding Community

Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, sparked discussions in December when he requested modders to avoid creating inappropriate modifications for the game. Although he did not delineate what constitutes ‘inappropriate,’ his context hints at the typical critiques surrounding certain mods, particularly those that may sexualize characters in ways the original developers did not intend.

Despite the initial backlash, Hamaguchi has reaffirmed his respect for the modding community. In a recent interview, he shared his personal experiences with mods, indicating that he enjoys experimenting with various modifications himself. “As someone who plays games on PC, I sometimes use mods myself,” he revealed.

Hamaguchi emphasized that modding could enhance the gaming experience, bringing longevity and renewed interest to games long after their official release. He stated, “I respect the modding community and recognize the enjoyment it brings to many players.”

However, he reiterated that modders and players should be mindful of the intent behind modifications. “It’s crucial that mods don’t detract from the intended game experience,” he cautioned.

Conclusion

In this evolving dialogue around modding, Hamaguchi’s comments highlight a nuanced position where appreciation for creativity and concern for original intent find common ground.