Forum:FF7 demo released in 1996. Should it count as Cloud's origin?

Forums: Index → Proposals → FF7 demo released in 1996. Should it count as Cloud's origin?

This discussion is in regards to a proposed change on SmashWiki. The discussion must first meet with a consensus before it is implemented.

On August 2nd, 1996, Tobal 1 was released for the PlayStation in Japan. Included with it was a disc titled, "Square's Preview Extra," which contained a playable demo of Final Fantasy VII. It allowed players to experience the bombing mission as Cloud, Barret, & Aerith. Should this be considered Cloud's game of origin?

I don't think there's any particular reason to. Miles (talk) 22:22, January 12, 2021 (EST)

Nah. After all, games have had demos prior to release (none I can think of right now) and we don't count those. Awesomelink234, the Super Cool Gamer (talk) 22:28, January 12, 2021 (EST)

Minecraft's alpha build is considered Steve's technical debut, and that's not too dissimilar from a demo. Perhaps this should get the same treatment? ThisIsNotACryForHelp (talk) 02:34, January 13, 2021 (EST)

There is a definite difference between the first instance of a game which is designed around ongoing updates and a demo for a game that had a specific singular release date. Miles (talk) 03:39, January 13, 2021 (EST)

This was still a publicly released piece of software with a known release date. It absolutely marks Cloud's first appearance in a video game. Minecraft's alpha build is listed as Steve's technical debut, while the official release is his proper debut. This demo should be mentioned in the same way on Cloud's page for the sake of documentation. ThisIsNotACryForHelp (talk) 17:51, January 13, 2021 (EST)

Alright, let me explain. Minecraft's alpha and beta build weren't so much "demos" per se, but rather previews of a game in development. Demos are previews of a completed game. I really don't think we should count demos as first appearance. Alpha and beta versions aren't demos. Awesomelink234, the Super Cool Gamer (talk) 18:26, January 13, 2021 (EST)

In the case of this particular demo, the game was still in development. It was a different build, with some small changes in the events and several notable changes to the script.

Also, nothing would be lost if this were listed as a technical debut, as the official release would still be his official debut. As far as I've seen while researching the origins of the fighters, Cloud is the only one who is in a situation like this and that is interesting enough to be noted. It would be a strange omission. ThisIsNotACryForHelp (talk) 18:46, January 13, 2021 (EST)

A demo's a demo. Minecraft is an ongoing game that gets updates. That's the difference. Aidan, the Rurouni 19:07, January 13, 2021 (EST)