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The Changing Landscape of Japanese Game Development: A Look at Square Enix’s Evolving Strategy
The video game industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. Once a niche hobby, it has become a global powerhouse, with Japanese developers playing a key role in shaping its popularity. However, recent statements from Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director, Naoki Hamaguchi, highlight a concerning shift in the approach to game creation—one that emphasizes broad international appeal at the expense of authenticity and cultural integrity.