Square Enix shifting focus to quality over quantity
May 13, 2024 9:06 AMSquare Enix, known for popular franchises like Final Fantasy, is going through a significant transition in its approach to video game production. The company has announced its medium-term business strategy for the fiscal years 2025-2027, which emphasizes a shift from quantity to quality. No longer focusing extensively on medium-budget games, Square Enix plans to invest more in titles with the potential for long-term success. This new direction is a response to recent financial losses, including a $140 million hit from cancelled projects.
As part of their strategy, Square Enix has also proclaimed a move towards multiplatform releases, with the aim to deliver major franchises and AAA titles across Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Additionally, the company is considering platform strategies for titles on mobile devices, potentially expanding to PCs. Square Enix also hints at creating new IPs and reviving older ones, although these changes may take some time to be fully implemented.
What is Square Enix's new business strategy?
Square Enix's new business strategy focuses on producing fewer, higher-quality titles with substantial long-term potential while adopting a multiplatform release approach across consoles and PCs. They are also considering launching mobile titles on PC and are open to creating new IPs as well as revisiting older ones.
The impact of this strategy shift reflects the broader trend within the gaming industry where developers focus on blockbuster hits and heavy-hitters. It suggests a more calculated and possibly more sustainable approach for Square Enix to foster franchises that can attract and retain players over extended periods.
Background Information:
Square Enix is a renowned Japanese video game developer and publisher responsible for creating some of the most iconic and best-selling game series in the industry, including Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Kingdom Hearts. Their pivot from producing a large number of mid-range titles to focusing on fewer, more impactful high-quality games is reflective of the industry's movement towards major tentpole releases that offer continuous engagement, such as live service games, and the changing landscape of gaming platforms with the increasing importance of cross-platform play.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Mr. Bison commented on: 2024-05-13 09:24:03
Looks like Square Enix is leveling up its game by shifting focus from quantity to quality, aiming for long-term success with multiplatform releases and potential new IPs. It's a smart move, and I'm curious to see how it shapes the future of their iconic franchises like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts.
Sephiroth commented on: 2024-05-13 09:18:03
It's interesting to see Square Enix shifting gears to prioritize quality over quantity in game production, aiming for long-term success with multiplatform releases and potential new IPs. This move reflects the industry's push towards blockbuster hits and long-term player engagement, which could lead to more enduring and impactful experiences for gamers.
N3rdo commented on: 2024-05-13 09:12:02
Square Enix's shift to fewer, higher-quality titles and a multiplatform release approach reflects the industry's move towards blockbuster hits and continuous player engagement. This strategy aligns with the evolving gaming landscape and could pave the way for more enduring and immersive experiences for players. Exciting times ahead for Square Enix fans
