The One-Two Punch After Metal Slug

Tokyo, Sega Headquarters.

While Minoru Arakawa was still in a frantic phone conversation with Kyoto headquarters about how to deal with the impact of Metal Slug, another heavy blow had already been silently delivered.

The English version of Final Fantasy IV, which was deliberately held back by Nakayama Takuya and delayed for nearly three months, was officially released in the North America market.

As early as the end of July, the Japanese and English versions of Final Fantasy IV had been completed simultaneously, and according to Square's original plan, both versions should have been released at the same time.

However, Nakayama Takuya found Miyamoto Masashi, the president of Square, as well as Sakaguchi Hironobu and Nobuo Uematsu, the core creators of the game.

"Executive Director Nakayama, are you saying that the English version's release will be postponed?" Sakaguchi Hironobu was somewhat puzzled. He thought that Sega, as a shareholder, would want the game to be rolled out globally as soon as possible to seize the market.

"It's not a delay, it's a build-up of strength." Nakayama Takuya sat in Square's reception room, three cups of hot tea in front of him. "I hope that the release of Final Fantasy IV in North America won't be just a regular store launch, but a grand celebration. Sega also has a series of plans for the North America market in October."

He didn't issue orders as a shareholder, but rather acted like a sincere collaborator, his gaze sweeping over the two creators with their contrasting expressions, while also laying out some of Sega's plans to Square's executives.

"Saka-san, Uematsu, what do you think of Final Fantasy?"

This question surprised both of them.

Sakaguchi Hironobu pondered for a moment, "It's a story, a fantasy world about crystal, love, and betrayal."

Nobuo Uematsu adjusted his glasses. "They are melodies used to convey the characters' joys and sorrows."

"Well said," Nakayama Takuya nodded. "But to me, it's a work of art. And works of art shouldn't just be contained in a small cassette tape."

He turned to Nobuo Uematsu: "Uematsu, the music you composed for the game is truly outstanding. After players finish the game, besides recalling the story, what echoes in their minds is your melody. Don't you think it's a shame to only let this music play once on the TV speakers?"

Nobuo Uematsu was deeply moved by those words.

Which composer doesn't hope their work will be more widely known and appreciated?

You mean --

"OST." Nakayama Takuya uttered a term that was still quite unfamiliar to the gaming industry at the time, "Original Soundtrack."

Create an original soundtrack album so players can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. Even—"

He paused deliberately, looking at Nobuo Uematsu's increasingly bright eyes, and then threw out an even more astonishing idea.

"They could even write lyrics for that song ' Theme of Love,' find a professional singer to perform it, and release it as a single."

"Let it be more than just game soundtrack; let it be a chart-topping pop song."

"Wh-what?" Nobuo Uematsu was so shocked he almost stood up from the sofa. The idea was simply unbelievable, yet it made his blood run hot.

Nakayama Takuya then looked at Sakaguchi Hironobu: "Sakaguchi-san, those exquisite character designs, monster illustrations, and world maps in the game embody countless hours of hard work from you and the art team. Why not compile them into a setting book? It would allow players to gain a deeper understanding of every detail of this world." He cited Hideo Kojima's "Clear and Present Danger" and his earlier work, "Metal Gear," as examples.

"We've just witnessed the Kojima Effect." Players, in order to follow the developers' vision, even rushed to buy military novels. What does this prove? It proves that Final Fantasy fans are a group of core users with taste, spending power, and a willingness to pay more for the works they love. They want to know far more than what the game itself presents.

These words struck a chord with the two creators, touching the most tender spot in their hearts.

Sakaguchi Hironobu and Nobuo Uematsu exchanged a glance, both seeing barely suppressed excitement in each other's eyes.

This is no longer about business; it's about exploring how to present one's hard work to the world in the most perfect form.

Nakayama Takuya's words were less of a business proposal and more of a confidant who understood them best, planning the most glorious future for their work.

"I understand!" Nobuo Uematsu slapped his thigh, feeling like he'd found a kindred spirit. "Executive Director Nakayama, don't worry, I'll immediately start re-arranging it, and I'll make sure it's a studio-quality version!"

Sakaguchi Hironobu nodded emphatically. "Leave the artbook to me. I guarantee the content will absolutely satisfy all players!"

President Miyamoto Masashi, who was standing to the side, had some concerns about the delayed release, but seeing the excited expressions of his two top lieutenants and hearing Nakayama Takuya's description of the "OST + setting book + game" combined sales model, his concerns instantly vanished.

Isn't this simply reusing materials generated during the development process to create additional revenue?

Moreover, it can greatly enhance brand value.

He immediately made the decision. "Do as the Central Commissioner said! Square will fully cooperate!"

And so, an agreement was reached that used increased promotional resources as leverage, but in reality, it outlined a completely new commercial landscape for the Final Fantasy series.

Square Enix employees were completely convinced by this Sega executive; they were a group of people who were easily swayed by his approach of respecting art and genuinely cooperating.

Now, after months of careful preparation, this series of combined punches has finally been delivered across the Pacific Ocean.

Final Fantasy IV game cartridges, along with beautifully produced soundtrack CDs and a thick official art book, appeared simultaneously on the most prominent game counters in major North America department stores.

A war over the living room had already begun before Minoru Arakawa could recover from the shock of being ambushed by Metal Slug.

The English version of Final Fantasy IV, which was deliberately held back by Nakayama Takuya and delayed for nearly three months, was officially released in the North America market.

Those hardcore gamers who had just thoroughly explored the location of every prisoner and the hidden features of every vehicle in Metal Slug were starting to feel that the joy of playing for twenty-five cents was becoming a bit repetitive and were preparing to find another game to change things up when they suddenly stumbled upon Final Fantasy IV.

"Hey, Jesse, look what's that?"

A boy who had just come out of the arcade nudged his friend with his elbow and pointed to the window of the game store across the street.

There, in the most prominent position, was a logo they had only ever seen in color pages of game magazines, with a corresponding poster hanging next to it.