How PlayStation Stole Final Fantasy VII from Nintendo with Parties and Schmoozing

Back in the 90s, Square Enix, then just Square, had been making its Final Fantasy games for Nintendo consoles. The series had a solid home there, and nothing seemed likely to change. But then Final Fantasy 7 happened, and it didn’t land where everyone expected. It ended up on Sony’s PlayStation, shaking up the gaming world.

People assume the shift was all about hardware. Sony’s CD-based PlayStation could handle bigger, better-looking games than Nintendo’s cartridge-based system. That’s true, but there was another factor at play: a former Sony employee who knew how to work a room.

This guy wasn’t just some business suit pushing deals. He had a knack for making friends in high places. According to former a Sony Music employee, he threw parties where Square executives liked to hang out. He built relationships, got them comfortable with Sony, and made sure they had a good time. That personal touch helped open the door for Final Fantasy 7 to jump to PlayStation.

The decision wasn’t just about good vibes, though. Square was struggling to fit its ambitious game onto Nintendo’s cartridges. CDs offered more space, and Sony was willing to give Square the freedom it wanted. It was a win-win situation, but that inside connection helped seal the deal.

Nintendo, of course, lost one of its biggest franchises because of this shift. The PlayStation gained a game that would help define its success, and Final Fantasy became bigger than ever. It’s a classic case of business, technology, and a well-placed schmoozer all coming together to change gaming history.