Acclaimed game developer Square Enix, the innovators behind the famed Final Fantasy series, has revealed a major shift in strategy by entering the flourishing PC gaming market. The Tokyo-based giant aims to reach a wider audience through a variety of new game titles and a multiplatform approach.
Earlier attempts by Square Enix to boost their MMO offerings through international studio transactions and ownership rights had ended in roadblocks, ranging from unsteady release schedules to less-than-anticipated revenues from various games. With the “Square Enix’s Resurgence initiative,” the developer is rebooting and restructuring its existing franchises to regain a firm standing in the gaming world.
Square Enix has announced its goal to “entertain a larger customer base,” with an express focus on rapid game delivery across numerous platforms. A key aim includes reaching out to the rapidly developing PC gaming community. By striving to diversify its gaming offerings, the company is hoping to make sizeable inroads into the thriving digital entertainment market.
Impressively, their strategy shows a shift from mass-based to premium gaming experiences.
Square Enix explores PC gaming market.
They plan to curate unique gaming properties, which prioritize unique player engagement experiences over the release of countless sequels and licenses. This approach strongly emphasizes quality over quantity when it comes to gaming experiences.
The reaction to this strategic shift has sparked debates on the support for game franchises like Final Fantasy. Critics argue that Square Enix may be saturating the market with its existing franchises. Still, supporters claim their love for these franchises is strong enough to endure disappointments.
Square Enix’s current development of the anticipated Final Fantasy 16 for PC is part of this shift. Their pursuit is to adapt the stringent system requirements in light of issues faced by FF14 players during the Yo-kai Watch event.
Murmurs suggest that game director Naoki Yoshida and lead translator Koji Fox are hinting a change towards a more light hearted fantasy setting for future projects. All in all, Square Enix is stepping up its game in more ways than one.
