Square Enix unveils an aggressive new multiplatform strategy for its AAA games, shifting away from PlayStation exclusives to drive long-term growth.
Square Enix is rebooting itself with a new mid-term business plan, aptly named “Square Enix Reboots and Awakens,” which aims to drive long-term growth for the company over the next three years. One of the key pillars of this new strategy is a major shift to a multiplatform release approach for its biggest AAA games.
Under this new plan, Square Enix plans to “aggressively pursue a multi-platform strategy that includes Nintendo platforms, PlayStation, Xbox and PC. This is a notable change from the company’s recent focus on PlayStation console exclusives for major titles such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Final Fantasy XVI. While Square Enix has a long history of console exclusives, a film like this will help it reach a new audience and ensure that any players who want to jump into the experience will have the chance to do so.
Square Enix has had a difficult past few years; with the sale of Eidos and the recent losses, it makes sense that they are looking to change their strategy. By expanding to more platforms, Square Enix hopes to “build an environment where more customers can enjoy our titles in regards to major franchises and AAA titles, including catalogue titles.” Reading between the lines, this suggests that future mainline Final Fantasy games and other big franchises will likely launch across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC simultaneously.
The shift to multiplatform is part of Square Enix’s efforts to “diversify earnings opportunities by strengthening customer contact points.” Along with platform expansion, this also involves initiatives to maximize digital sales, win over more PC players, and leverage its IP in new entertainment experiences beyond just games.
Another key aspect is a bigger emphasis on quality over quantity. Square Enix states it must “shift from quantity to quality” and focus on delivering titles that “ensure excitement” and “bolster loyalty” to its brands. The goal is to launch games that bring smiles to players’ faces while regularly releasing new entries in major franchises to maintain and grow their fanbases. While there may be some who are disappointed by the news, by the sounds of it, this is great news for the player base as a whole, giving more chances for great games to find players, no matter what console they own.
Square Enix’s new strategy shows the publisher adapting to the realities of the modern gaming market. Platform exclusives are becoming increasingly rare outside of first-party games, and the rising costs of AAA development demand reaching the widest audience possible. How exactly Square Enix will balance its relationships with the console makers while going multiplatform remains to be seen. But for fans, the prospect of being able to play the next mainline Final Fantasy on their platform of choice from day one is certainly an exciting one.
