Square Enix President Takashi Kiryu has announced plans to reevaluate the company’s development process in order to improve the quality of its games. This decision comes in response to the underwhelming reception and performance of certain games, as Square Enix increasingly relies on the success of the Final Fantasy brand.
According to Bloomberg, Kiryu shared these insights during Square Enix’s latest financial results briefing. He outlined a strategic shift that includes reducing outsourced development and prioritizing large-scale games developed internally, with the goal of enhancing game quality and profit margins.
The new system is scheduled to be unveiled in the spring, and sources from the conference call indicate that it will be implemented in April, coinciding with the start of the company’s new financial year.
A Diversified Gaming Portfolio
Kiryu’s recent statements echo those made in November, where he highlighted the importance of Square Enix diversifying its gaming portfolio while focusing on releasing fewer titles.
Despite revealing ambitious plans for 2024, including the use of AI, Square Enix is lagging behind in mobile releases after discontinuing its Nier mobile game in partnership with Tencent. The company also plans to shut down Nier Reincarnation in April.
Many of the company’s mobile titles have launched with little public fanfare in Japan, ultimately shutting down after roughly a year due to underwhelming revenues. Notably, Bravely Default: Brilliant Lights and Echoes of Mana, as well as SinoAlice Global, saw service end in November 2023.
Although specific sales figures for Final Fantasy 16 were not disclosed, the company previously announced that the PS5 exclusive had sold 3 million copies globally within its first week of release.
All eyes are now on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, set to debut later this month, and Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, slated for the summer, which may help maintain the MMO’s position as the most lucrative entry in the series.
