In a heartwarming display of community support, Final Fantasy fans have rallied behind Creative Business Unit III, the Square Enix subsidiary behind the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, countering the negative messages and demands by critics aimed at several individuals, including one of the company’s longest-tenured veterans, Kazushige Nojima. This outpouring show of gratitude and appreciation, emerging under the hashtag ‘#ThankYouFFVIIDevs’, trended on Twitter, showcases the deep connection and respect fans hold for the creators of the best-selling JRPG franchise.
This entire situation started when Nojima, who has been instrumental in shaping the Final Fantasy 7 narrative, appealed to fans last month to stop sending him messages with demands to alter the fate of certain characters in the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Nojima, known for his significant contributions to the series, expressed his frustration with the personal nature of the attacks he was receiving. This plea highlighted a darker aspect of fan interaction, where passionate pleas often transcend into undue pressure on creators.
In response to Nojima’s situation, the Final Fantasy 7 community initiated a wave of positive messages. Plenty of fans to social media to share their stories, artwork, and expressions of gratitude for the developers’ hard work and dedication. This collective action of support reflects a broader understanding within the gaming community: while passion for a game is profound, it must be balanced with respect for the creators’ artistic vision and personal boundaries.
２ちゃんねるの時代から仕事への批判、批評は何を言われても仕方がないと思っている。それはその人の自己表現だから。でも個人の領域に対して、くたばれとか嘘つきとか言われると、それはやっぱり抗議したいし否定したい。モルモットの写真に汚いテキストを投げつけてくる奴には呪いの念を送っている
— K.Nojima (@sgwr1) December 11, 2023
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, scheduled for February 29, 2024, exclusively for PlayStation 5, is literally one of the most highly anticipated games today, even winning the award for such titles at this year’s The Game Awards. It’s the second entry in the massive and ambitious Final Fantasy Remake project, following the groundbreaking first chapter that saw Cloud and his companions venture beyond Midgar in pursuit of Sephiroth.
As the game’s release approaches, the excitement within the community has reached fever pitch, with many barely able to contain themselves as they speculate about what’s coming. Nevertheless, this is all accompanied by an understanding of the immense pressure the development team faces.
Video game developers, particularly those working on high-profile franchises such as Final Fantasy, often operate under intense scrutiny and expectation. Developers face the challenge of balancing creative innovation with fan expectations, a task that becomes more daunting when dealing with beloved and iconic titles.
It wasn’t so long ago that Creative Business Unit I faced criticism for its release of Final Fantasy 16, which, by the way, is getting a second story DLC next year following the release of the first one earlier this month. The recent harassment of Nojima underscores the need for a respectful and supportive relationship between fans and creators.
The surge of support for FF7 Rebirth’s developers, as well as, more recently, Insomniac Games, serves as a reminder of the industry’s capacity to show empathy and solidarity. Industry peers and fans alike condemned the breach, offering messages of support and understanding. This collective stance against harassment and the violation of privacy sets a precedent for how the gaming community can unite in support of its members during challenging times.
In the case of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, fans demonstrate that positivity can be a powerful force. Their efforts to make the hashtag, #ThankYouFFVIIDevs, trend on Twitter reflect a deep appreciation for the series and its creators. The messages filled with gratitude, memories, and excitement not only uplift the developers but also reinforce a positive and respectful fan culture.
As Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s release date approaches, the enthusiasm is matched by a newfound commitment to support and respect the developers’ vision. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the human element behind making the games we all love to play.
Hopefully, such acts of kindness and solidarity will become the norm, fostering a healthier, more respectful relationship between fans and those who craft the games they cherish.
