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.
Is this not only for cloud saves?
I don’t know exactly for what. Other games do not rely on additional servers, even if they support Steam Cloud Saves. You can play them without online connection, then your data wouldn’t load off course. But the games usually start. In this case however, the game does not even start. I think it is kind of a DRM to check you own the game.
No, it probably affects tifa and aerith saves as well.
Cloud saving people is a pretty core mechanic of FF7