Interview with Hironobu Sakaguchi

Hironobu Sakaguchi is the president of Square USA and one of the original creators of the Final Fantasy series. The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences recently announced that he will be inducted into its Hall of Fame as part of the company's third annual Interactive Achievement Awards in Los Angeles on May 11, 2000 on the first day of E3. Here's a pre-written Q&A session with Sakguchi-san:

Q: When did you first develop an interest in computer games? What led to your interest in them?

A: I was really into the Apple II when I was a student. The innovative and creative game titles that were coming out of America for that system really stimulated my interest in all aspects of game development. When playing the games hours on end was no longer enough, I began to teach myself of their contents and to create my own similar contents in new games. This is how I started making my own game software. I remember opening the disc covers just to see which tracks were being read, etc. I wanted to understand each aspect of what went on behind the game and re-create something similar with my own imagination. But most of all, I played, and played, and played.

Q: Why do you think the Final Fantasy series becomes more popular as it continues?

A: I think there are several reasons as to why the Final Fantasy series has become so popular. The game itself is fun to play, but its strongest characteristic is the visual entertainment the game provides. I think this one of the main factors that have drawn users to the series. We put 100% of our resources and effort into developing games that don't just keep up with the evolution of game consoles, but also surpass previous works. Also, this happens to be a coincidence, but the hardware has changed with every three FF titles. (Nintendo->Super Nintendo->PlayStation). On each platform, we've continuously succeeded in providing the users with a sense of "freshness," and I think this has also contributed to the series' popularity.

Q: Along with technological and systematical modifications, has your work in game development changed in any way?

A: As the development team increased in size, my role shifted to director and producer. I believe that the most important aspects are the story, game system, and art concepts in the pre-production stage, but the hierarchy structure and quality of workflow also affect the product as well.

Q: What is your favorite Final Fantasy title? And please tell us why you chose that particular game.

A: The upcoming Final Fantasy IX. This title (currently under development) is based on a reflection of all the previous works in the series. The coming installment is my "favorite," it's closest to my ideal view of what Final Fantasy should be. But, I've set my standards too high, so I think there's room for more Final Fantasy titles to come.

Q: When did you first think of creating a story and then telling it to others? What inspired you to do this?

A: I haven't really given it much thought, but ever since my first work, Deathtrap, I've written story-based games. I think I am a story creator, and storyteller at heart.

Q: Please tell us your dreams for the future of computer and video games.

A: In spring of 2001, Square will begin an online service called "Play Online" that will provide general entertainment, such as online games, music, shopping and more. An ever increasing number of people are participating in and enjoying online games. Play Online will allow these players to send mail and chat during while waiting for friends or missions to start (while providing services such as music, comics, and shopping). I envision a system that provides not just a game, but a total online living environment. Preparation on this is currently taking place. In Play Online, an imaginary world based on the real world (inhabitants included!) is created online with CGI. What happens in the real world also takes place in this "imaginary world" and at times, information may be received faster than the news. One of my dreams is to conduct a charity this Play Online "imaginary world" and extend its functionality beyond mere communication.

Q: What are some of the sources of inspiration for the Final Fantasy series?

A: Just the ordinary events of our lives: encounters, discoveries, disputes, compromises, betrayal, and love. It is the accumulation and interweaving of these elements that make a story fit for Final Fantasy.

Q: We have heard that you would like to create a type of entertainment that combines computer games and motion pictures. It has been said that the movie you are directing, Final Fantasy: The Movie, makes this possible. Do you have any comments regarding this production and what can be expected from it?

A: The FF movie is purely a visual creation. For the next installment of the movie, however, I plan to create a new type of interactive movie...so stay tuned!