Square Enix, known for its high-profile franchises like Final Fantasy, is shifting toward a multi-platform release strategy, aiming to launch more titles simultaneously on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This move, shared by Final Fantasy producer Naoki Yoshida in a recent interview, comes as Square Enix’s recent PlayStation-exclusive titles have underperformed in sales, prompting a change in approach.
Key Points
- New Multi-Platform Approach: Yoshida, also known as Yoshi-P, revealed that Square Enix’s upcoming games, such as Fantasian Neo Dimension, will be released on multiple platforms, including Xbox, starting December 5. This will be one of the company’s first multi-platform launches, marking a shift away from their recent strategy of PlayStation exclusivity.
- Expanding Final Fantasy to Xbox: Yoshida recently discussed plans for a potential Xbox version of Final Fantasy XVI, which launched on PlayStation 5 in 2023 and received a PC port in September 2024. Although specific dates for an Xbox release are yet to be confirmed, Square Enix is reportedly working to make Final Fantasy more accessible to Xbox users.
- Financial Pressures Influencing Strategy: Square Enix’s recent titles—Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Final Fantasy XVI, and Foamstars—launched as PlayStation exclusives but failed to meet sales expectations. This led to a 13-year low in quarterly earnings, encouraging the publisher to adopt a broader release strategy that includes platforms like Xbox and Nintendo Switch.
- Aiming to Meet Market Demand: With Square Enix’s new strategy, the company hopes to reach a larger player base and boost overall revenue. This change reflects the company’s recognition of the growing demand for cross-platform accessibility and the potential profitability of a wider audience reach.
By releasing more games simultaneously on multiple platforms, Square Enix aims to regain its footing in the gaming industry, appealing to fans across diverse consoles and devices.
