In the realm of video game development, a myriad of challenges can arise, yet few developers can claim their work was interrupted by the devastation of a terrorist attack. This, however, is the remarkable story of how the creation of FIFA '97 for the Sega Saturn was almost halted by the IRA's bombing in Manchester in 1996—a tale of resilience and resolve in the aftermath of chaos.
It was a typical June day when a massive explosion rocked Manchester city center. The IRA had planted a bomb, leading to the evacuation of an estimated 80,000 people and causing widespread destruction. No fatalities occurred thanks to the timely response of emergency services, but the bomb left the city center, including the offices of Perfect Entertainment's Manchester studio, in shambles.
John Young, a developer at Perfect Entertainment, recalls the day. Although no employees were in the office on that Saturday morning, the security alarm’s trip alerted him to the disaster. While their Manchester office was significantly damaged, the team found relief in that their development equipment—and crucially, the work on their games—remained intact.
Reality sunk in when Young was able to see the damage firsthand. What he found was a scene of havoc: ceilings destroyed, dangling wires, and the office in a state of disarray. But the team was undeterred. They shifted their operations to Portland Tower, which was already under consideration as the studio's next base.
The move was swift and the developers, resilient in the face of adversity, resumed work. While the incident caused some delays, particularly to the Sega Saturn port of FIFA '97, it did not bring development to a halt.
Former EA employees Pete Andrew and Dylan Miklashek recall how the Manchester team, despite substantial setbacks, delivered a compelling excuse for their missed milestones—their office had literally been bombed. Miklashek even traveled to Manchester to support the team in shipping the game. EA globally rallied behind their colleagues, overcoming the disruption with an impromptu hands-on approach.
Eventually, FIFA '97 for Sega Saturn was released, albeit slightly later than its counterparts on other platforms. The game met with fair reviews, praised for its usage of the FIFA license and audio, though it had its fair share of criticisms for gameplay flaws. Rich Leadbetter of Digital Foundry gave it a respectable 76%, deeming it a "fairly enjoyable knockabout."
This endeavor's story is testament not just to the resilience required in game development but also to the extraordinary courage to rebuild and proceed in the face of unforeseen calamity. These developers, grappling with their disrupted lives and professional duties, exhibited an inspiring determination to carry on, delivering a game that, despite its mixed reviews, holds a commendable place in video game history.
The Sega Saturn version of FIFA '97, irrespective of its critical reception, stands as a monument to the tenacity of game developers when faced with real-world crises. It reflects the persistent spirit of a team that, amid the destruction and chaos inflicted by the IRA's deadly bomb, displayed commendable perseverance and commitment, ensuring that even an act of terror could not quench their creative fires. Behind the pixels and the gameplay, the story of FIFA '97's Sega Saturn version serves as a powerful reminder of the human element within the gaming industry, and the resilience it can muster in even the most daunting circumstances.
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