In 2001, Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) released a magazine issue featuring artwork from Yoshitaka Amano for Final Fantasy X. The cover quickly became one of the most talked-about in the magazine’s history, though its distribution and creation were more complicated than readers realized. The issue’s artwork marked a rare example of a major video game magazine commissioning original art from a series’ lead illustrator, and it stood out during a period when print games media was still a primary source of information for players.
The Gaming Landscape of the Early 2000s
The early 2000s were a pivotal time for console gaming. Systems such as the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and Dreamcast were redefining what developers could achieve in terms of graphics, storytelling, and scale. Print magazines remained a crucial medium for fans to learn about new releases, with EGM among the largest publications offering previews, reviews, and insider coverage.
After the success of Final Fantasy VII, the franchise gained significant international recognition. Expectations for Final Fantasy X were high, and securing a visually striking cover was seen as an important way to attract readers.
Commissioning Amano for the Cover
EGM editor-in-chief Dan “Shoe” Hsu pushed for something different: an original painting by Amano. The process involved obtaining permission from SquareSoft and allocating a $10,000 budget, an unusually high amount for magazine art at the time. Despite the cost, publisher ZiffDavis approved the project.
James Mielke, a former EGM staffer, oversaw the cover’s production. Amano’s work incorporated gold leaf, which proved challenging to reproduce accurately in print, yet the final product retained a distinctive and appealing texture. The characters Tidus and Yuna were featured prominently, giving fans a striking representation of the upcoming game.
Distribution Challenges and Reader Reaction
Originally, the Amano cover was intended to be limited to 25 percent of newsstand copies, with subscribers receiving a more conventional Yuna-focused cover. This approach mirrored the variant cover strategy used in comic books during the 1990s. Miscommunication during production resulted in the Amano cover being more widely distributed, reaching both subscribers and newsstand buyers at random.
While some subscribers were disappointed at missing the exclusive cover, the broader response was positive. The issue’s unexpected distribution helped boost sales, making it one of EGM’s most successful editions. Even competitors in the growing digital games media space, including IGN, covered the release, highlighting its cultural impact.
Legacy and Continued Influence
The Amano cover led to another commission two years later for EGM’s “Final Fantasy Everything” issue. However, print magazines faced increasing challenges in the 2000s. EGM ended its print run in 2009, while its online counterpart 1UP.com closed in 2013. Despite this, the magazine’s influence has persisted. A crowdfunded EGM anthology raised $1.7 million, reflecting ongoing interest in the publication’s history and coverage.
Amano has continued to work on variant covers, including projects for DC Comics, maintaining a connection to collectible cover art. For EGM, the Final Fantasy X cover represents a moment when print magazines could combine editorial insight, unique art, and a sense of discovery in ways that digital platforms later struggled to replicate.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the Final Fantasy X EGM cover considered iconic?
The cover featured original artwork by Yoshitaka Amano, incorporating gold leaf and depicting key characters Tidus and Yuna. Its unexpected wider distribution made it a standout in EGM’s history.
Who created the cover for EGM’s Final Fantasy X issue?
The cover was commissioned from Yoshitaka Amano, known for his long-standing work on the Final Fantasy series.
How much did the cover cost to produce?
The Amano cover cost approximately $10,000, significantly higher than typical magazine cover budgets at the time.
Was the Amano cover originally supposed to be rare?
Yes, it was intended for only 25 percent of newsstand copies, but a miscommunication during distribution resulted in a wider release.
Does Yoshitaka Amano still create artwork for magazines or comics?
Yes, Amano continues to work on variant covers, including projects for DC Comics and other collectible media.
When did EGM end its print publication?
EGM concluded its print run in 2009, with its affiliated digital site, 1UP.com, closing in 2013.
Did the cover impact EGM’s sales?
Yes, the issue featuring Amano’s cover saw higher sales than average, making it one of EGM’s most successful editions.
