Square Enix will shift its strategy towards multi-platform releases

NEWS Rine Ikarus - May 15, 2024, 22:04

Square Enix has suddenly announced a significant shift in their company strategy. In a statement about their new strategy, Square Enix declared that they would "aggressively pursue a multiplatform strategy that includes Nintendo platforms, PlayStation, Xbox, and PCs."

Although Square Enix has previously released many titles on a variety of platforms, their biggest games, such as Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, have often been exclusive to PlayStation. Games like Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade have been released on PC, but only after several years of platform exclusivity.

According to Takashi Mochizuki, both Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth failed to meet their sales expectations, as did Foamstars, all of which were PlayStation exclusives. Square Enix stated that they need to find a balance between "individual creativity and organizational discipline" as they "has been relied too much on an individual's creativity."

Square Enix said:
-FF16 sales fell short of expectations. Initial momentum was in line with expectations, but the games failed to reach FY goal as its momentum slowed. No updates from sales number last announced at 3 million
-FF7 Rebirth sales fell short of expectations. Initial…
— Takashi Mochizuki (@6d6f636869) May 14, 2024

In Square Enix's latest financial report, it was indicated that the longstanding relationship between Sony and Square Enix might soon come to an end, as they now aim to "build an environment where more customers can enjoy their titles", regarding to "major franchises and AAA titles including catalog titles." The games Square Enix mentioned likely refer to their previously exclusive titles, such as the Final Fantasy VII series and Final Fantasy XVI, which may soon be released on PC.

The multi-platform movement has been gaining traction recently, and it seems Square Enix is the latest to join. Sony has also faced several controversies recently, including the issues surrounding Helldivers 2.

With this news, the third and final title in the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy could very well be the last PlayStation exclusive from Square Enix. Despite not meeting Square Enix's sales expectations, the numbers achieved by Final Fantasy VII Rebirth are still quite impressive. It remains one of the best action RPGs released this year, currently boasting a 92 Metascore and a 9.0 user score on Metacritic.

Creative Director Tetsuya Nomura also mentioned that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was designed so new players can understand the game's story without playing the previous title. Make sure to our price comparison tool to get the best deal on Final Fantasy Rebirth, or check out the first game, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade.

Square Enix will shift its strategy towards multi-platform releases

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