Article for those who dont want a video: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/final-fantasy/after-13-years-a-new-version-of-final-fantasy-7-is-replacing-the-current-version-on-steam-and-square-enix-hasnt-explained-whats-different/
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/games/39140/announcements/detail/514107648813039663
Square Enix has announced a brand-new version of Final Fantasy VII for Steam. This is not a patch. It’s a replacement.
The existing release will be renamed FINAL FANTASY VII 2013 Edition, while a new version becomes the default Steam listing. Existing owners get both versions for free but save files will NOT be compatible between them.


I don’t actually know. Maybe you have to run it once with internet connection (right after downloading the game) to verify it? Steam allows for offline play, but not sure if the game allows that. I’ll test it quickly with disabling my internet connection for a second… don’t go away, wait a moment…
So yes, you have to run the game once and connect first, then you can play without internet connection.
Note, this is the old version on Steam that will be renamed to 2013 Edition on Steam.
Thanks for checking, I appreciate that. Of course opening a hot spot with my phone won’t be a problem, but a bit annoying if it’s just for playing an old game.
Well, you have to do it only once. You don’t need constant internet connection. I mean you need internet to download the game, so just run it once and then you can play it offline without internet or wifi.