Square Enix is advancing its multiplatform gaming strategy despite a downturn in overall game sales, according to its latest financial report. The company has seen a year-over-year decline in sales for its single-player titles, which contrasts sharply with a notable profit upswing driven by unexpected success from the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake.
In reviewing its portfolio, titles such as Visions of Mana, Fantasian Neo Dimension, and Life is Strange: Double Exposure have not fared as well compared to their megahit counterparts like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Final Fantasy 16, and the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters.
Highlighting a brighter aspect, Square Enix recorded a substantial growth in the MMO sector, largely propelled by the successful launch of the Final Fantasy 14 expansion, Dawntrail, in the summer. Nonetheless, the company’s mobile game segment has faced significant challenges, resulting in the cancellation of several projects, including the much-anticipated Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link.
Overall, the digital entertainment division is grappling with an 18 percent drop in sales, but impressive gains in operating income—up 28 percent—show a complex financial landscape. To navigate these fluctuations, Square Enix is undergoing a strategic restructuring dubbed as a “three-year reboot,” initiated by CEO Takashi Kiryu last year. This initiative aims to enhance its multiplatform presence across Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC systems.
In the realm of PC gaming, there is optimism as sales have experienced a twofold year-on-year increase. Console exclusives such as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Final Fantasy 16 are now also making their way to PC audiences, broadening their reach.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Switch 2 launch, Square Enix is strategically preparing. The year will see the release of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake alongside the complete series remake, and the Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is expected to debut at this time. There’s speculation about the potential for more title ports in the near future.
Among the exciting new offerings, the Dragon Quest 1+2 HD Remake is set to be an important centerpiece this year, launching on multiple platforms including the Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Windows and Steam). Looking further ahead, Square Enix’s roadmap includes the rollout of major titles with a goal to maintain a steady release schedule through the third quarter of 2028.
Additionally, a mobile adaptation of Final Fantasy 14 is under development, although it’s intriguing that current updates specify it’s “for China.”
What does the future hold for key releases? While fans eagerly await the next chapter in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, rumors abound regarding potential remakes of beloved titles like Final Fantasy 9 or Chrono Trigger. Enthusiasts are also speculating about the timing of Final Fantasy 17’s debut.
Square Enix is not limiting its expansion strictly to gaming; it’s also exploring diverse avenues. Future projects are set to include a Magic: The Gathering card collection, various pop-up events, concerts, and anime adaptations, such as NieR: Automata.
Moreover, the company is partnering with Japanese broadcaster TBS to explore “new IP based on transmedia expansion,” although details about this initiative remain sparse.
Consequently, Square Enix is preparing for another fiscal year that might see a dip in sales but, intriguingly, an increase in profits. Without a major Final Fantasy title or a new expansion for Final Fantasy 14 on the horizon, the upcoming year may be quieter for the team. Earlier this year, Yoshinori Kitase, the producer for the Final Fantasy series, confirmed that the narrative for the third installment of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is complete, though a release window remains uncertain.
