In the realm of video game development, creators often face numerous challenges, from technical difficulties to tight deadlines. However, for the developers at Perfect Entertainment's Manchester studio, an extraordinary and tragic event completely upended their work on the Sega Saturn port of FIFA '97 and the PC game Discworld II. On June 15th, 1996, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) planted a devastating bomb in Manchester, UK, that exploded, causing widespread destruction but, miraculously, resulted in no fatalities.
The bomb, a lorry device, was situated near the bustling Arndale shopping center. With around 80,000 people hurriedly evacuated from the city center, the bomb squad from Liverpool made an attempt to neutralize the bomb. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain, and at 11:17 am, the bomb detonated, ravaging the surrounding area and causing injuries, while the immediate response from emergency services prevented any loss of life.
This explosion left a significant mark on Manchester's city center, leaving structures damaged and some unrecognizable. For businesses in the vicinity, including the Manchester office of Perfect Entertainment, the future seemed uncertain as they grappled with the aftermath.
John Young, a game developer at the studio, was among those impacted by the incident. He recounts his experience of discovering the news about the bombing—one that initially sounded like an unlikely excuse for a delay in a developer's timeline. Upon returning to the office, Young was confronted with a scene of devastation: displaced ceiling tiles, dangling light fittings, shattered windows, and a general disarray that spoke volumes of the force of the blast.
While the structural damage to the office was severe, the development team was fortunate that their equipment and data were largely spared from destruction. This meant that valuable work on their projects remained intact and recoverable, allowing them to contemplate next steps without the burden of starting from scratch.
As the team at Perfect took stock after the event, they faced the challenge of finding a new place to work. The search for a new office took on newfound urgency, but chance had it that they were already looking at other locations, with a move into the Portland Tower just weeks away. This relocation was swiftly executed, and the team worked diligently to maintain the momentum on their projects.
Despite the upheaval, Discworld II's development experienced minimal delays. However, former EA employees involved with FIFA '97, such as Pete Andrew and Dylan Miklashek, recalled noticeable hold-ups. They humorously recounted their response to the Manchester team’s reports of bombings and destroyed offices, akin to the classic "the dog ate my homework" excuse, only to realize the gravity of the situation.
Ironically, the surreal circumstances surrounding the development of FIFA '97 provided an unforgettable backdrop for the team's efforts to complete the game. When it was finally released for Sega Saturn in 1997, after versions for other platforms had already hit the market, reviews were mixed. Critics recognized the game's merits, including its use of the license and its audio, but also pointed out several technical flaws. Even so, FIFA '97 carried with it a remarkable tale of resilience in the face of disaster.
While it may not be hailed as a masterpiece in the realm of sports games, the story behind FIFA '97's creation is a testament to the tenacity and dedication of its development team. They managed to deliver a completed product under extraordinary circumstances, and in doing so, demonstrated an inspiring case of perseverance in the industry. This unique chapter in gaming history serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of real-world events and their potential impact on the digital worlds we cherish.
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