Square Enix has dropped a cryptic update about Final Fantasy VII’s future on PC, promising a 'new version' of the classic RPG for Steam—but leaving fans in the dark about what that actually means. The announcement confirms that current owners will receive the update for free and retain access to the original 2013 edition, though the two versions won’t share save data. Beyond that, the studio has offered no specifics on gameplay changes, pricing, or a release date.
The post on the game’s official account hints at an 'improved gameplay experience,' but the Steam announcement provides little substance beyond renaming the original release to Final Fantasy VII – 2013 Edition once the new version launches. The original will no longer be available for purchase, though existing players will keep both versions in their libraries.
What’s missing is clarity. Will this be a graphical overhaul? A performance upgrade? A reworked interface? Or simply a cosmetic refresh? The language used—'re-released' on social media, 'new version' on Steam—suggests conflicting intentions, leaving players to speculate. The 2013 PC port, itself a re-release of the 1998 original, already included modern tweaks like cloud saves and achievement support, so any further changes would need to justify another overhaul.
One thing is certain: save files won’t transfer. Players diving into the new version will start from scratch, while those sticking with the 2013 edition won’t be able to access their old progress. For a game that’s been around since 1997—with multiple ports and re-releases—this feels like an unnecessary complication, especially when the franchise isn’t exactly a commercial juggernaut on PC.
Given the lack of details, the most practical advice for fans is simple: if you’ve been waiting to play Final Fantasy VII, now might be the time. The game is currently discounted on Steam, priced at $4.79, making it an accessible entry point into one of gaming’s most iconic RPGs. Whether the 'new version' delivers meaningful improvements remains to be seen—but for now, the biggest question is why Square Enix is revisiting a title that’s already seen multiple iterations without explaining the purpose.
