Best Of 2024: That Time I Was Invited To Square HQ To Playtest Final Fantasy VI

Dec 31, 2024

Nathan Lockard recalls playtesting Final Fantasy VI 30 years ago at Square HQ in Redmond, WA.

Best Of 2024: That Time I Was Invited To Square HQ To Playtest Final Fantasy VI

: Nathan Lockard shares his unique experience as a teenager playtesting an English version of Final Fantasy VI at Squaresoft of America’s office in 1994. He vividly describes the structured nature of the testing environment and his determination to finish the game. The memorable games discussed in the context of the 1994 era showcase the challenges and excitement of game testing before the internet age. Nathan believes he was the first non-Square employee to beat the game in the US.

Nathan Lockard fondly remembers the summer of 1994 when he was invited at the age of 16 to play Final Fantasy VI pre-release at Squaresoft of America’s office. He details a week-long playtest in Redmond, WA, a rare opportunity that allowed him and his brothers to dive deep into exploring the game ahead of its North American release.

The testing environment was strict; participants were confined to cubicles, with discussions about the game strictly prohibited to ensure unbiased feedback. This brought about a new experience in video game testing in an era where online betas and early access were nonexistent, making real-time feedback a challenge for developers relying mostly on in-person sessions.

Lockard recounts his detailed memories from the playtest, such as losing a character named Shadow on a floating continent and discovering magic-targeting techniques. These nostalgic insights emphasize the groundbreaking experience Final Fantasy VI offers, still regarded by Nathan as a benchmark for RPGs, urging readers to celebrate its legacy through contemporary versions.