Square Enix is looking to bolster its development and publishing capabilities as the company wishes to double down on AAA games.
In its annual report for the year 2023, Square Enix President Takashi Kiryu stated that the company will work from a medium- to long-term perspective to optimize the allocation of its resources for both development and publishing and to build the optimal organizations to utilize those resources. In doing so, Square Enix aims to bolster the profitability of its Digital Entertainment segment and its AAA games (referred to as “HD games” in the report) in particular.
Additionally, Kiryu mentioned that the publisher’s customer base is taking increasing interest in its Digital Entertainment offerings, particularly its AAA game via digital stores rather than physical ones. He believes that this gives critical importance not only to the distribution channels that the company uses to deliver its products to its customers, but also to the creation of appropriate contact points and communication initiatives within the context of its marketing and sales activities because they enable its customers to learn about its content before they decide to purchase it. By increasing the sophistication of its publishing functions both in Japan and overseas, the company will strive to maximize its sales of both new and catalog titles.
Previously, former Reset Era member Im A Hero Too had some details to share regarding projects that are currently in development at Square Enix. According to them, a Final Fantasy IX remake was originally scheduled for a Summer 2024 release, but they were no longer sure about the release window, as the game needed some further polishing. They also mentioned that the Final Fantasy X remake had a skeleton crew for development, and that it will not be released in time to coincide with the original game’s 25th anniversary.
