Dengenki GameCube: You've announced plans to develop for Nintendo's platforms by establishing a subsidiary company dubbed 'Game Developers Studio' (GDS). Is that company operational yet?

Square: No, it won't begin physical operations till next month. GDS will be introduced as part of our fiscal budget next year (April 2002 through 2003).

DGC: Can you tell us what other Square representatives will be affiliated with GDS?

Square: At the moment, the company is represented by Akitoshi Kawazu. As his development plans emerge, teams from inside Square will be recruited.

DGC: GDS will be partially funded by Nintendo's ‘Fund Q,’ which was established to help small developers create titles for Nintendo's platforms. Will Nintendo strictly fund titles in development for GameBoy Advance?

Square: There are some development conditions, however we're looking into possible connectivity between the GameBoy Advance and GameCube.

DGC: Do you have plans to bring over any of your popular RPG series to Nintendo's consoles?

Square: That's undecided at this point. Development hasn't physically begun yet, so all software plans are up to director Akitoshi Kawazu. We've seen Final Fantasy named in several reports as a likely software candidate. As you know, one of the main reasons why the series has been so successful is because of its ability to change. So we'd like players to think of Final Fantasy in terms of its overall symbolism. We could decide to release action games or RPGs, but it's undecided whether they'll carry the Final Fantasy title.

DGC: There have been reports suggesting several GameBoy Advance titles are being planned including Final Fantasy Tactics, can you comment on that?

Square: Definitive game development plans for haven't been decided yet. We're aware of reports naming specific projects, but they've all come from people outside the company. Our development plans will be dictated by the players, albeit new titles or remakes. That being said, the request for Final Fantasy titles is very high.

DGC: Outside of any titles funded by Fund Q, does GDS have any GameCube titles in development?

Square: GDS is a company focused on GameBoy Advance development. We haven't decided to develop any GameCube related projects aside from those supported by Fund Q.

DGC: Reportedly, one of the conditions of financial support from Fund Q is that game development must be accomplished in a year. Can GDS meet that deadline?

Square: For titles covered under that program, yes. We plan to have about 3-4 titles ready by next year. We may have titles in development not supported by Fund Q as well, nothing concrete has been decided yet.

DGC: How did the Fund Q investment plan come about?

Square: Nintendo started an application process last December where ideas could be submitted for support. Ever since then we've been in contact with Nintendo regarding our plans.

DGC: Considering Square's relationship with Sony, did you consult them beforehand?

Square: We tried to take the best interests of our consumers in mind when making this decision. Secondly, we prepared a full presentation for Sony to explain our plans.

DGC: What's the possibility of Final Fantasy titles appearing on Nintendo's GameCube?

Square: There are currently no plans to supply any titles in the Final Fantasy series for GameCube. As I said, GDS will focus on GameBoy Advance development. Final Fantasy XI will be available for PlayStation 2 and PC, and will be online compatible. Final Fantasy XII is currently in development for the PlayStation 2. Beyond that, nothing has been decided yet.

Source: Xengamers