Great conversation once again. Jesse made me laugh talking about the YT algorithm while I'm here two months back from the world. I liked his quantum mechanics take on the layers of reality happening simultaneously. Thank you all for your time!!
Thanks for the video! Jesse is always so passionate and well-spoken, so it's a joy to watch you all together. And we're finally scratching the surface on the idea of quantum mechanics applying to FF7, yay!
Definitely share Jesse's hope for Part 3. It needs to be an end earned by and grounded in the events of the three games, not just some convolution that comes out of left-field at the last second. And I don't think I could possibly agree more with the sentiment that these characters deserve proper resolutions. It's been 30 years (or at least it will have by the time Part 3 arrives), this is almost certainly the last time that many of the dev team will ever work on FF7. As a player, I'll be 50 by the time the trilogy concludes, it's probably the last FF7 content I'll play. After 3 decades, please just give the story and the characters the finality and resolution they, and we, deserve. I think, in terms of how Part 3 can fail to deliver, that would be my biggest regret if it came to pass. That they just perpetuate the eternal Sephiroth/Jenova thing in aid of being able to release more content going forward. I know FF7's been a golden goose, but just let it go out in a blaze of glory.
One thing you guys didn't mention Because of Secret of Mana FF6 Chrono Trigger FF7 Xenogears Tactics...we had a faith in Square when they came out with a new game we felt like regardless of how the game started we felt we would enjoy it all in the end
Hey Prof, I think you're onto something at 1:15:58. FF7 and FF8 were really important to me while growing up because I could identify with the younger protagonists as a kid just trying to figure stuff out, but last year, FF16 really captured my heart because I felt like I had a similarly aged protagonist whom I could more readily identify with now as an adult!
Hey so I have a question about something that was said in this episode: Jesse mentioned toward the end that with Cloud, the brain zaps are part of how the different timelines show up. How does that work with characters like Rufus because Cloud isn’t the only one that got the brain zaps in Rebirth.
I'm so glad to hear someone else have an issue with the water in Final Destination. 😂 Though I have the opposite take: I wanted it gone so that it's never clear whether the deaths are natural horrible coincidence or an actual force coming after them.
Love the quantums in this. I have been thinking on this one all day. I can see a lot of concepts in QIS (Quantum Information Science) coming to the surface. Superposition (Cloud and Sepiroth), entanglement, liminal space, Distributed Quantum Networks (Life Stream), Qubits (Materia), Quantum Field Theory), Bigtime MWI (Multiworlds), Gaia as a Quantum computer etc.
In quantum computing, qubits are the fundamental units of information, capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition and interacting with each other through entanglement. Similarly, materia represents a physical manifestation of the planet's knowledge and energy that can be used to perform powerful feats-effectively functioning as Gaia’s natural quantum computing nodes. Superposition: Materia contains condensed Mako energy that embodies the knowledge of the Ancients and the Lifestream. This energy gives it the potential to cast spells, enable abilities, or summon powerful beings. Just like a qubit can be in multiple states simultaneously, materia can contain and express multiple potential outcomes-such as healing, fire magic, or manipulation of gravity-depending on how it is used or combined. Quantum States and Different Materia Types: Each type of materia (Magic, Summon, Command, Support, Independent) represents a different "state" that, when activated, collapses to a specific power, much like how qubits, when observed, collapse into a particular state. The materia's color could even represent a different set of quantum properties-red for Summon, green for Magic, and so forth-each representing the possibilities and functions encoded within that piece of materia.
Materia can be understood as qubits within the Gaia quantum computer, where: Superposition allows each materia to hold and express multiple potential powers. Entanglement enables linked materia to interact, enhancing or modifying their effects. The Lifestream functions as a planetary-scale quantum field, with materia acting as nodes that tap into and manipulate this field. Quantum manipulation of time, probability, and physical states allows for seemingly miraculous abilities. In this model, Gaia itself is a quantum system... with the Life Stream functioning as both the memory and processor of all life and energy. Materia allows individuals to access and manipulate this underlying quantum infrastructure-making them quantum operators in a planetary-scale computer that connects all living beings. The result is a beautiful synthesis of magic and science, where materia serves as a bridge between human will and the quantum reality of Gaia, enabling incredible feats by tapping into the computational potential of the planet itself. True SciFantasy! Cheers
Jenova can be seen as a foreign quantum anomaly that arrives on Gaia, fundamentally disrupting the natural quantum system. Whereas the Lifestream and materia work harmoniously like the components of a quantum computer, Jenova is akin to an invasive quantum state that doesn't belong in Gaia’s ecosystem. A wavefunction collapse if you will... ;)
also.... decoherence is big here. Decoherence is a concept in quantum mechanics where a quantum system loses its ability to exist in a coherent superposition due to interaction with the environment or an outside influence. Jenova’s presence on Gaia can be understood as a source of quantum decoherence for the Lifestream.
Hahaha...fun discussion, thanks a lot. Although I think Jesse's interpretation and theory is too over the top for me. IMO he might anchor too much onto the theoretical physics + sci-fi realm to interpret the story. Prev FF stories do have time-travel, dimensions, space travel elements etc, but they are not the main driving force of the story. And remember FF also borrows a lot of elements from spiritual, psychological, mythological realms. Also, the creators of FF7 are Nojima, Kitase & Nomura etc, not Schrödinger, Stephen Hawking or Michio Kaku LOL. I think we have to keep that in mind otherwise the theory will really just go off the rail. Then again maybe going off the rail is the fun part 🤣
You underestimate how many 90s jp anime/game writers love Schrödinger, Stephen Hawking, and Michio Kaku. The ecosystem of early jp game devs and who gravitated towards that risky, budding field is always fascinating. For OG FF7, there were a lot of limitations and Nojima was kept in check by his peers. They said as much in recent interviews and even revealed that they only added all the extra world building and deep lore as a way to reward players who decided to spend a lot more time on the game because they didn't have the money to design the assets and implement all that content. It was a smart compromise while keeping in mind the general audience experience. A great argument for not giving artists unlimited resources, or what was the phrase? Great art made with artistic restrictions? Restriction leads to creativity? Something like that.
@@UltimaLuminaire True, but a better example for what you are describing, IMO, is actually Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding. After he left Konami & got Sony's support and resources, he is essentially unbounded and goes full Roche. The result, Death Stranding, some like some don't like, but all can agree its story is totally wild & convuluted. But I don't think FF7R dev team is that crazy yet LOL, becuase they are still working under SE, and they work as a team, with ideas injected from different people etc.
great ep as always. its fascinating to see how other people theory craft even tho same ideas overlap the way they build it is different. for me my theory most have a beginning and a ending that make sense to me. the only unknown is the middle. its surprising to see theories made without a end.
Per the question around 1:25:00, Mash Hojo and Bugenhagen together for the the Merovingian. ;) The Merovingian's obsession with knowledge and manipulation of the system has some similarities to Professor Hojo from Final Fantasy VII. Hojo is a scientist who delves deeply into understanding biological and metaphysical systems for his own ends. He manipulates people, particularly Sephiroth and other experiments, much like the Merovingian manipulates those within his power for his purposes. While Bugenhagen does not directly parallel the Merovingian in terms of manipulation, he acts as a repository of knowledge and information, giving insight into the Lifestream and the true nature of the planet... providing a "home" for hidden knowledge similar to how the Merovingian provides a refuge for exiles. Just my two cents. I had a theory more at the 10k ft. level looking down as well... not a person, but an entity. Cheers
I don't think that Aerith and Sephiroth represent two sides that have been "creating multiple timelines since the beginning." In Rebirth, Sephiroth says "When the rules of Fate are breached, new worlds are born". So multiple worlds are not supposed to exist. Imo, the multiple worlds emerged when the party destroyed Whisper Harbinger. Because it's after this point we see Zack survive. This is when Fate diverges. Sephiroth instigated the fight against Whisper Harbinger because he knows if Fate runs its natural course, he loses. So he's trying to Remake Fate and create a universe where he can exist with Jenova for eternity. But the death of Whisper Harbinger also means Aerith can act outside of Fate as well, such as when she preserves Zack's soul so he can live on in the alternate world. Aerith is trying to Remake the timeline to have a better outcome than the OG, the final defeat of Sephiroth and Jenova, the preservation of humanity and the planet, and perhaps the salvation of the Gi.
Finally getting around to these comments! Boy this is a great post, and exactly the kind of idea crafting that interests me. I’m so curious how the party will react when they begin to realize that Sephiroth goaded them into fighting the whispers and fate
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 ธันวาคม 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dNTiBBthKgQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![ประสบการณ์ จ้าง Developer ที่ผมจะไม่มีวันลืม [ภาค2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pZbsSDRrmXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Another legend on this weeks video ?!?!? This is the best gaming pod on TH-cam 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@@alchalant4663 aw shucks, we’re trying to make it really compelling, so glad you like it!
Great conversation once again.
Jesse made me laugh talking about the YT algorithm while I'm here two months back from the world.
I liked his quantum mechanics take on the layers of reality happening simultaneously.
Thank you all for your time!!
Thanks for the video! Jesse is always so passionate and well-spoken, so it's a joy to watch you all together. And we're finally scratching the surface on the idea of quantum mechanics applying to FF7, yay!
He was an absolute delight
Definitely share Jesse's hope for Part 3. It needs to be an end earned by and grounded in the events of the three games, not just some convolution that comes out of left-field at the last second. And I don't think I could possibly agree more with the sentiment that these characters deserve proper resolutions. It's been 30 years (or at least it will have by the time Part 3 arrives), this is almost certainly the last time that many of the dev team will ever work on FF7. As a player, I'll be 50 by the time the trilogy concludes, it's probably the last FF7 content I'll play. After 3 decades, please just give the story and the characters the finality and resolution they, and we, deserve. I think, in terms of how Part 3 can fail to deliver, that would be my biggest regret if it came to pass. That they just perpetuate the eternal Sephiroth/Jenova thing in aid of being able to release more content going forward. I know FF7's been a golden goose, but just let it go out in a blaze of glory.
I tend to agree. Bring an ending, please!
One thing you guys didn't mention
Because of Secret of Mana FF6 Chrono Trigger FF7 Xenogears Tactics...we had a faith in Square when they came out with a new game we felt like regardless of how the game started we felt we would enjoy it all in the end
That’s a good point
Hey Prof, I think you're onto something at 1:15:58. FF7 and FF8 were really important to me while growing up because I could identify with the younger protagonists as a kid just trying to figure stuff out, but last year, FF16 really captured my heart because I felt like I had a similarly aged protagonist whom I could more readily identify with now as an adult!
Boy ain’t this the truth
Hey so I have a question about something that was said in this episode: Jesse mentioned toward the end that with Cloud, the brain zaps are part of how the different timelines show up. How does that work with characters like Rufus because Cloud isn’t the only one that got the brain zaps in Rebirth.
I wonder if that’ll be addressed at all in part 3
I'm so glad to hear someone else have an issue with the water in Final Destination. 😂 Though I have the opposite take: I wanted it gone so that it's never clear whether the deaths are natural horrible coincidence or an actual force coming after them.
We all fear such because of that movie
Whoaaaaa! Jesse being on the show was NOT on my bingo sheet haha
@@UltimaLuminaire we’re really honored he’d choose to be on the show. Just an awesome guy.
Loving these discussions guys!
Thanks Dust!
Love the quantums in this. I have been thinking on this one all day. I can see a lot of concepts in QIS (Quantum Information Science) coming to the surface. Superposition (Cloud and Sepiroth), entanglement, liminal space, Distributed Quantum Networks (Life Stream), Qubits (Materia), Quantum Field Theory), Bigtime MWI (Multiworlds), Gaia as a Quantum computer etc.
left a deeper breakdown of each over on BlueSky. ;)
In quantum computing, qubits are the fundamental units of information, capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition and interacting with each other through entanglement. Similarly, materia represents a physical manifestation of the planet's knowledge and energy that can be used to perform powerful feats-effectively functioning as Gaia’s natural quantum computing nodes.
Superposition: Materia contains condensed Mako energy that embodies the knowledge of the Ancients and the Lifestream. This energy gives it the potential to cast spells, enable abilities, or summon powerful beings. Just like a qubit can be in multiple states simultaneously, materia can contain and express multiple potential outcomes-such as healing, fire magic, or manipulation of gravity-depending on how it is used or combined.
Quantum States and Different Materia Types: Each type of materia (Magic, Summon, Command, Support, Independent) represents a different "state" that, when activated, collapses to a specific power, much like how qubits, when observed, collapse into a particular state. The materia's color could even represent a different set of quantum properties-red for Summon, green for Magic, and so forth-each representing the possibilities and functions encoded within that piece of materia.
Materia can be understood as qubits within the Gaia quantum computer, where:
Superposition allows each materia to hold and express multiple potential powers.
Entanglement enables linked materia to interact, enhancing or modifying their effects.
The Lifestream functions as a planetary-scale quantum field, with materia acting as nodes that tap into and manipulate this field.
Quantum manipulation of time, probability, and physical states allows for seemingly miraculous abilities.
In this model, Gaia itself is a quantum system... with the Life Stream functioning as both the memory and processor of all life and energy. Materia allows individuals to access and manipulate this underlying quantum infrastructure-making them quantum operators in a planetary-scale computer that connects all living beings. The result is a beautiful synthesis of magic and science, where materia serves as a bridge between human will and the quantum reality of Gaia, enabling incredible feats by tapping into the computational potential of the planet itself. True SciFantasy!
Cheers
Jenova can be seen as a foreign quantum anomaly that arrives on Gaia, fundamentally disrupting the natural quantum system. Whereas the Lifestream and materia work harmoniously like the components of a quantum computer, Jenova is akin to an invasive quantum state that doesn't belong in Gaia’s ecosystem.
A wavefunction collapse if you will... ;)
also.... decoherence is big here.
Decoherence is a concept in quantum mechanics where a quantum system loses its ability to exist in a coherent superposition due to interaction with the environment or an outside influence. Jenova’s presence on Gaia can be understood as a source of quantum decoherence for the Lifestream.
Hahaha...fun discussion, thanks a lot. Although I think Jesse's interpretation and theory is too over the top for me. IMO he might anchor too much onto the theoretical physics + sci-fi realm to interpret the story. Prev FF stories do have time-travel, dimensions, space travel elements etc, but they are not the main driving force of the story. And remember FF also borrows a lot of elements from spiritual, psychological, mythological realms. Also, the creators of FF7 are Nojima, Kitase & Nomura etc, not Schrödinger, Stephen Hawking or Michio Kaku LOL. I think we have to keep that in mind otherwise the theory will really just go off the rail. Then again maybe going off the rail is the fun part 🤣
You underestimate how many 90s jp anime/game writers love Schrödinger, Stephen Hawking, and Michio Kaku. The ecosystem of early jp game devs and who gravitated towards that risky, budding field is always fascinating.
For OG FF7, there were a lot of limitations and Nojima was kept in check by his peers. They said as much in recent interviews and even revealed that they only added all the extra world building and deep lore as a way to reward players who decided to spend a lot more time on the game because they didn't have the money to design the assets and implement all that content. It was a smart compromise while keeping in mind the general audience experience. A great argument for not giving artists unlimited resources, or what was the phrase? Great art made with artistic restrictions? Restriction leads to creativity? Something like that.
It’s out there for sure. But he’s def not alone in this interpretation!
@@UltimaLuminaire True, but a better example for what you are describing, IMO, is actually Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding. After he left Konami & got Sony's support and resources, he is essentially unbounded and goes full Roche. The result, Death Stranding, some like some don't like, but all can agree its story is totally wild & convuluted. But I don't think FF7R dev team is that crazy yet LOL, becuase they are still working under SE, and they work as a team, with ideas injected from different people etc.
For the Xeno series, it's "all of the above" 😂
Great discussion!
Thanks!
great ep as always. its fascinating to see how other people theory craft even tho same ideas overlap the way they build it is different. for me my theory most have a beginning and a ending that make sense to me. the only unknown is the middle. its surprising to see theories made without a end.
Yeah it’s so interesting to hear all these diverse takes
I love these videos
Thanks for watching!
Bro says Midgar with a hard R 😳
Per the question around 1:25:00, Mash Hojo and Bugenhagen together for the the Merovingian. ;)
The Merovingian's obsession with knowledge and manipulation of the system has some similarities to Professor Hojo from Final Fantasy VII. Hojo is a scientist who delves deeply into understanding biological and metaphysical systems for his own ends. He manipulates people, particularly Sephiroth and other experiments, much like the Merovingian manipulates those within his power for his purposes.
While Bugenhagen does not directly parallel the Merovingian in terms of manipulation, he acts as a repository of knowledge and information, giving insight into the Lifestream and the true nature of the planet... providing a "home" for hidden knowledge similar to how the Merovingian provides a refuge for exiles.
Just my two cents. I had a theory more at the 10k ft. level looking down as well... not a person, but an entity.
Cheers
This is pretty compelling tbh. Thanks for sharing
I don't think that Aerith and Sephiroth represent two sides that have been "creating multiple timelines since the beginning."
In Rebirth, Sephiroth says "When the rules of Fate are breached, new worlds are born". So multiple worlds are not supposed to exist. Imo, the multiple worlds emerged when the party destroyed Whisper Harbinger. Because it's after this point we see Zack survive. This is when Fate diverges.
Sephiroth instigated the fight against Whisper Harbinger because he knows if Fate runs its natural course, he loses. So he's trying to Remake Fate and create a universe where he can exist with Jenova for eternity.
But the death of Whisper Harbinger also means Aerith can act outside of Fate as well, such as when she preserves Zack's soul so he can live on in the alternate world.
Aerith is trying to Remake the timeline to have a better outcome than the OG, the final defeat of Sephiroth and Jenova, the preservation of humanity and the planet, and perhaps the salvation of the Gi.
Finally getting around to these comments! Boy this is a great post, and exactly the kind of idea crafting that interests me. I’m so curious how the party will react when they begin to realize that Sephiroth goaded them into fighting the whispers and fate
It's a sequel disguised as a remake
A lot of folks do believe it