The development of Final Fantasy 9 during the late 1990s was marked by a sense of boldness and spontaneity, according to renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu. In a recent interview with Famitsu, translated by GamesRadar+, Uematsu described how the team moved to Hawaii without a clear plan, showcasing a level of recklessness in spending that reflected the company’s success at the time.
During this golden era for Square, the company released a string of critically acclaimed titles, including Final Fantasy 7 and Parasite Eve. Between 1997 and 2000, Square solidified its reputation in the gaming industry, but this success came with a cost. Uematsu noted that the decision to relocate the development team to Hawaii was guided by a carefree attitude rather than a strategic blueprint. “I wonder why [the team moved to Hawaii],” he reflected. “Maybe [Final Fantasy creator] Hironobu Sakaguchi just wanted to live there. Square had a kind of recklessness at that time. There was just a ‘if we go to Hawaii we can do it’ type of vibe.”
The move to Hawaii was just one example of the lavish spending during this period. Artists and developers alike embraced the island lifestyle, with some purchasing personalized license plates for their cars. Uematsu himself owned a license plate reading ‘FF9’ while colleague Hideo Minaba showcased his plate ‘FF9378’, a clever nod to his name in Japanese. This indulgence extended to the new American animation staff as well, who were hired for the project. Uematsu explained, “City buses were very inconvenient [in Hawaii] at the time, so everyone bought a car.”
Uematsu’s comments highlight a time when the gaming industry felt less constrained by financial pressures, allowing for creative freedom and exploration. This era, while not without its challenges, reflected a more optimistic view of the industry compared to the current climate, which often feels burdensome.
As a self-proclaimed “medieval nerd,” Uematsu expressed satisfaction with Final Fantasy 9’s direction, although he admitted that he finds it difficult to listen to his own compositions due to embarrassment. His reflections provide a fascinating glimpse into the environment that fostered one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
The insights from Uematsu serve as a reminder of the risks and rewards of creativity in game development. The sense of adventure and spontaneity during Final Fantasy 9’s creation is a stark contrast to the more calculated approaches often seen in today’s gaming landscape.