FF7 Director Confirms Fortnite Inspired Highwind Skydiving
The Director's Confirmation
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, confirmed on September 13, 2026 that Fortnite partly inspired the Highwind airship skydiving mechanic in the new game. GamesRadar+, VICE, and IGN India reported the interview on September 13-14. The confirmation follows years of fan speculation and memes comparing FF7's skydiving sequence to Fortnite's glider-drop mechanic.
Fortnite's Influence on FF7 Revelation
The Highwind skydiving is described as one of FF7 Revelation's biggest features, allowing players to parachute from the iconic airship onto open-world areas. The director used the word "partly" when acknowledging Fortnite's influence, indicating that while the inspiration exists, the implementation has its own unique identity. Battle director Teruki Endo was interviewed alongside Hamaguchi, confirming the mechanic's significance to the game's open-world exploration design.
The Fortnite Crossover Tease
In the same interview, the director teased or hinted at a potential Fortnite x Final Fantasy 7 crossover. Daily Express and Polygon reported that the director described the future as "unclear, but there's hope" when asked about a Square Enix x Epic collaboration. This comes after a previous FF7 Rebirth director stated more Square Enix collabs are being considered for Fortnite, adding momentum to the crossover speculation.
What Is FF7 Revelation?
Final Fantasy VII: Revelation was officially announced at Summer Game Fest on June 5, 2026. It is a standalone experience in the FF7 remake series, not part of the main Remake trilogy. The game features an open-world design where players can explore the entire planet of Gaia, the Highwind airship returns, and Zack plays a significant role in Cloud's most emotional scene. Its release date was revealed on September 8, 2026.
From Memes to Official Confirmation
For years, fans noticed the parallel between FF7's Highwind skydiving and Fortnite's glider-drop and created memes comparing the two. GamesRadar+ noted that this confirmation came "after countless memes." The director's official acknowledgment validates what the gaming community suspected for years, highlighting Fortnite's cultural impact on game design. The mechanic itself is now a recognized element of FF7 Revelation's identity.
What This Means for Fortnite FF7 Fans
While no official Fortnite x FF7 collaboration has been announced, the director's crossover tease and the FF7 Rebirth director's comments create a strong signal for future Square Enix crossovers. If a collab materializes, it could include Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, Aerith Gainsborough, and Sephiroth skins, alongside materia-themed weapons and highwind-inspired gliders. Players should watch for official announcements as FF7 Revelation approaches its release date.
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