In the starting town of Podunk, a "Doughead Software" store can be seen in the background. This appears to be a nod to both Egghead Software, a computer software retail company from 1984-2001, as well as the executive producer (and Lode Runner creator) Doug Smith.

Doug Smith may also be credited with the conception of Secret of Evermore, according to lead programmer Brian Fehdrau, who states that Squaresoft hired Smith based on his suggestion for an RPG with an "American-motif." Squaresoft liked this idea, and told the development team to make "a game like [Secret of Mana] with western themes."