Introduction
Before a single trailer or screenshot is released to the public, Naoki Hamaguchi, co-director of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, has already completed the game from start to finish over 40 times. This dedication ensures that every detail—from combat balance to story pacing—is polished to perfection. If you're a game developer, tester, or aspiring producer, you can apply the same rigorous methodology to your own projects. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to conduct exhaustive playthrough testing, mirroring Hamaguchi's approach. You'll learn how to set objectives, build a testing plan, and iterate until you achieve multiple completions that guarantee a high-quality final product.
What You Need
- Access to game builds – Multiple versions (alpha, beta, release candidate) of your game or a representative demo.
- Time commitment – Plan for at least 40 full playthroughs; each may take several hours depending on game length.
- Recording and note-taking tools – Screen capture software (e.g., OBS), a logbook or digital document (Google Docs, Notion).
- Bug tracking system – Jira, Trello, or a similar platform to record issues.
- Test environment – A stable PC or console that matches target specs.
- Team of testers (optional) – For diverse perspectives, though Hamaguchi led many playthroughs personally.
- Patience and analytical mindset – The key to catching subtle flaws.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Define Clear Testing Objectives
Before launching the first playthrough, decide what you want to achieve. Hamaguchi's objective was to validate overall game flow, difficulty curves, and narrative cohesion. Write down specific goals: “Ensure no game-breaking bugs appear before chapter 10” or “Verify that each boss fight is fun and fair.” Break objectives into categories: core mechanics, progression, audio-visual, and localization. Align them with your game's milestones. Without clear objectives, you'll waste time replaying without focus.
Step 2: Create a Comprehensive Test Plan
Structure your 40+ playthroughs into phases. For example:
- Phase 1 (Playthroughs 1–5): Test main storyline without deviation – follow the golden path.
- Phase 2 (6–15): Explore side quests, optional areas, and alternative character builds.
- Phase 3 (16–25): Stress-test combat, including enemy AI and ability interactions.
- Phase 4 (26–35): Edge cases – speedrun attempts, menu navigation, save/load cycles.
- Phase 5 (36–40): Final consistency check with the near-final build.
Document each phase’s checkpoints. Use a checklist template you can update after every run.
Step 3: Execute the First Few Playthroughs for Core Mechanics
Start with a clean build. Play through the game as a regular user would, but take thorough notes. Record video of key sequences so you can review later. Pay attention to: loading times, control responsiveness, text clarity, and music sync. If you encounter a bug, log it immediately with screenshot, timestamp, and reproduction steps. Don't pause to fix mid-playthrough; just note and continue. After finishing, compile a priority list of issues for the development team.
Step 4: Focus on Edge Cases and Bug Reproduction
Once you've completed the core runs, deliberately attempt to break the game. Try unusual inputs: spamming buttons, entering menus during cutscenes, alt-tabbing (PC), or using low-level characters in high-level zones. Hamaguchi likely tested every corner of the world. For each edge case, attempt to reproduce the same anomaly three times. If consistent, escalate to critical. Use your bug tracker diligently. This phase often reveals the most insidious problems that regular play misses.
Step 5: Iterate with Updated Builds
After each wave of bug fixes, restart the cycle from Step 1 with the new build. Hamaguchi completed over 40 playthroughs across multiple iterations. He didn't play the same build 40 times; he played evolving versions. Regression testing is crucial: ensure fixes didn't break something else. Keep a version history log. For each update, note which issues were resolved and which new ones appeared. Maintain a spreadsheet that tracks playthrough number, build version, and overall status (pass/fail).
Step 6: Repeat Until You Hit Over 40 Successful Playthroughs
Continue the loop of testing and iteration. Do not stop at an arbitrary number; 40 is Hamaguchi's benchmark, but your goal is quality. Aim for at least 40 completions where no critical bugs remain, and the game feels polished from start to finish. Mix up your playing style: sometimes rush, sometimes take your time. A truly thorough tester will achieve over 40 playthroughs before signing off. Remember to document each completion – save files, screenshots, and a short summary of what you observed. This evidence is invaluable for your team and for later audits.
Tips & Best Practices
- Maintain consistency – Play at the same time of day with the same setup to reduce variable distractions.
- Take regular breaks – Fatigue leads to missed bugs. After every 3 playthroughs, rest for an hour.
- Involve a second pair of eyes – Even if you lead, have a colleague occasionally review your recordings.
- Focus on the player's journey – Don't skip cutscenes; test that the emotional beats land correctly.
- Keep a public-relations perspective – Hamaguchi's 40 playthroughs also help ensure the game meets fan expectations. Think about what players will notice.
- Automate where possible – Use scripts for repetitive tasks (e.g., opening menus) to free up your attention for creative testing.
- Celebrate milestones – After every 10th successful completion, reward yourself or your team. This maintains morale for the long haul.
By following these steps, you can emulate the meticulous testing process that co-director Naoki Hamaguchi uses for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3. The result? A game that feels complete, balanced, and memorable from the first moment to the final credit. Now, start your playthrough journey and ensure your product meets the same high standard.