Tag Archives: Square Enix

Games, Gaming, News, PC

Final Fantasy XI being alive is thanks to their fans

For over two decades, Final Fantasy XI has stood as a testament to the enduring power of community-driven gaming. Originally launched in 2002, the MMORPG was a groundbreaking entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, offering players an expansive world filled with adventure, camaraderie, and deep lore. However, as time passed and newer titles emerged, the game faced the looming threat of closure. In a surprising turn of events, it was the unwavering dedication of its fanbase that ultimately kept Final Fantasy XI alive.

A Planned Farewell That Never Came

According to Final Fantasy XI director Yoji Fujito, Square Enix had been preparing to end support for the game’s PC version in 2024, following the conclusion of its Voracious Resurgence storyline. The company even considered shutting down the game entirely due to aging servers. The plan was to transition the game into “maintenance mode,” meaning no new content would be added, and only system upkeep would be performed.

Despite these plans, something remarkable happened—players continued to log in, maintaining the same monthly subscription fee of $11.95 since the game’s launch. Their enthusiasm and dedication sent a clear message to Square Enix: Final Fantasy XI was far from losing momentum. Seeing this, the developers decided to keep the game running, ensuring that the world of Vana’diel remained alive and thriving.

New Updates and a Bright Future

Instead of winding down operations, Square Enix surprised the community by announcing fresh updates for Final Fantasy XI. These include:

  • A new high-tier mission battlefield to challenge veteran players.
  • Gamepad configuration adjustments for smoother gameplay.
  • A new Morale gauge to enhance combat mechanics.
  • The ability to change a character’s race, offering more customization.
  • Expanded content for the Limbus battle system, adding depth to the game’s strategic elements.

The resilience of Final Fantasy XI is a testament to the power of its community. In an era where many MMORPGs struggle to maintain player engagement, this classic title has defied expectations. Even Final Fantasy XIV, the franchise’s modern MMO, acknowledged its predecessor by introducing a crossover Alliance Raid series that transports players to Vana’diel.

As long as players continue to explore its vast world, battle formidable foes, and forge lasting friendships, Final Fantasy XI will remain more than just a game—it will be a legacy!

Square Enix considered ending Final Fantasy 11 in 2024, but player interest was high enough to keep it alive even after 20+ years – AUTOMATON WEST
According to Final Fantasy 11 producer and director Yoji Fujito, the MMORPG could have ended support or even shut down completely.
Source/Via
Business, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Square Enix heading to a corporate reboot with an unfortunate cancellation

Square Enix has unveiled its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, revealing a mixed performance. While net sales declined by 8.9% year-over-year to ¥324,506 million, operating income saw a 24.6% increase, reaching ¥40,580 million. The company attributes this profitability boost to reduced development and marketing costs, alongside stronger-than-expected sales of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.

For context, Square Enix’s net sales of ¥324.5 billion translate to approximately $2.2 billion USD, while operating income of ¥40.6 billion equates to roughly $275 million USD.

As part of its restructuring, Square Enix has discontinued development on certain projects, including a Kingdom Hearts mobile spin-off. The company is shifting focus toward multi-platform releases and optimizing its development structure to cut costs.

The cancelled Kingdom Hearts game is Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link orginally announced in April 2022 as a GPS-based action RPG for iOS and Android. The game was intended to bridge the narrative between Kingdom Hearts Union χ and Kingdom Hearts Dark Road, offering players a chance to explore Scala ad Caelum while battling Heartless.

Initially planned for a 2024 release, Missing-Link underwent multiple delays, including a prototype test in January 2023 and a later postponement in November 2024 to an unannounced date. However, on May 14, 2025, Square Enix officially canceled development, citing difficulties in maintaining a live-service game that would meet player expectations over time.

Ironically, Square Enix annunced that it will be starting the development of a new intelectual property with an ally as TBS Television, the Tokyo-based network best known for Ninja Warrior, Ultraman, and Takeshi’s Castle.

Not much details where shared, but expects a combination of anime/TV Shows along with the launch of the official video game and also, Square Enix will use this as an example for a “quality over quantity” mindset when release game on multiple platforms.

About that, we already know that since last year, Square Enix disengaged on planning on accepting platforms exclusives and will launch games as broader as possible and that were the “quality over quantity” goes in.

Square Enix has announced a three-year business plan aimed at revitalizing its operations. The strategy revolves around four core initiatives:

  • Enhancing productivity by optimizing development resources.
  • Diversifying revenue streams by strengthening customer engagement.
  • Creating foundational stability through operational improvements.
  • Balancing capital allocation between growth investments and shareholder returns.

In a more broader point of view, Square Enix plans in the mid- to long-term pipeline to achieve a better achieving of “quality” and it will include to release major titles mainly in key IP on a consistent basis with expectations that results will be captured for the end of Fiscal Year 2027.

Additionally, Square Enix is implementing AI-driven productivity enhancements within its Japanese studios and introducing performance-based bonus funds for employees.

Backstory: Why the Reboot?

The restructuring comes after a steady decline in net sales over the past year, prompting Square Enix to consolidate its development teams under a franchise management division. This move aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency across its portfolio.

Looking ahead, Square Enix is targeting a 15% consolidated operating profit margin by the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.

With these sweeping changes, Square Enix is positioning itself for long-term growth while ensuring its flagship franchises remain competitive in an evolving gaming landscape.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Square Enix announces there are plans for the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX, one of the most beloved entries in the legendary RPG franchise, is turning 25 in 2025. Square Enix has officially launched a dedicated anniversary website to commemorate the occasion, teasing a variety of projects, including merchandise and collaborations. But what has truly reignited excitement among fans is the persistent rumor that a full-fledged remake of the game might finally be announced.

Square Enix’s Anniversary Plans

Square Enix is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Final Fantasy IX’s milestone. The official website showcases a range of collectibles, plush toys, art books, and a new soundtrack. Fans can expect:

  • A prequel picture book titled Vivi, Grandpa, and the Day of Departure, offering a deeper look into the backstory of the beloved black mage.
  • Exclusive merchandise, including figures of Zidane and Garnet with updated designs.
  • A commemorative lottery event, with details to be revealed later.
  • A collaboration with eyewear brand Zoff, featuring Final Fantasy IX-themed glasses.

While these announcements are exciting, they pale in comparison to the possibility of a remake—a dream that has been circulating for years.

The Rumors: Is a Remake Finally Happening?

Speculation about a Final Fantasy IX remake dates back to 2021, when an Nvidia GeForce Now database leak listed the game among unannounced projects. Over time, many titles from that leak—including Kingdom Hearts 4 and Chrono Cross Remaster—have been confirmed, lending credibility to the idea that a Final Fantasy IX remake is real.

Further fueling the rumors:

  • Industry insiders like Jeff Grubb and Nate the Hate have claimed the remake is in active development and could launch in 2026.
  • Square Enix’s silence on the matter has only intensified speculation. Despite avoiding direct confirmation, the company’s anniversary website hints at “various projects,” which many believe could include the remake.
  • Updated character designs for Zidane and Garnet in new merchandise have led fans to wonder if these are previews of a modernized version of the game.

What Would a Final Fantasy IX Remake Look Like?

If Square Enix does move forward with a remake, the biggest question is how it will be executed. Will it follow the Final Fantasy VII Remake model, with a multi-part, cinematic overhaul? Or will it be a faithful remaster, similar to Final Fantasy IV on the Nintendo DS?

Some developers have hinted that remaking Final Fantasy IX as a single title would be challenging, given its massive world and deep narrative. If Square Enix follows the episodic approach, it could mean a multi-game remake similar to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

While Square Enix has yet to officially confirm a remake, the timing of the anniversary celebration and the company’s history of remaking classic titles suggest that something big could be on the horizon. Whether it’s a full remake or just a nostalgic tribute, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Final Fantasy IX fans.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

We are bracing for the 30th anniversary of Chrono Trigger festivities

March 11, 2025, marks a monumental milestone in the gaming world—the 30th anniversary of Chrono Trigger, a game that has transcended generations and continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. Square Enix, the creative powerhouse behind this masterpiece, has announced a series of exciting projects to honor this occasion, sparking waves of nostalgia and speculation among fans.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Originally released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Chrono Trigger was the result of a “dream team” collaboration between Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest), Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy), and Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball). Its innovative gameplay, captivating story, and unforgettable soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda set a new standard for RPGs. Over the years, the game has been re-released on various platforms, but its core essence remains untouched—a testament to its timeless appeal.

Square Enix has revealed plans for multiple projects to celebrate the game’s 30th anniversary. While the company has kept specific details under wraps, it has promised that these initiatives will “go beyond the world of the game.” This statement has fueled speculation about what fans can expect. Could it be a modern remake using the stunning 2D-HD art style seen in Octopath Traveler? Or perhaps an anime adaptation inspired by the game’s iconic cutscenes?

The possibilities are endless.

The announcement has ignited a flurry of excitement and theories among the gaming community. Many are hoping for a full-fledged remake or a re-release on modern consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Others are intrigued by the idea of non-gaming projects, such as an anime series or a documentary exploring the game’s development and impact.

Upcoming Events and Updates

To kick off the celebrations, Square Enix has planned a special livestream featuring the game’s legendary soundtrack. This event will be broadcast on the Square Enix Music Channel on YouTube, offering fans a chance to relive the magic of Mitsuda’s compositions. Additionally, the company has assured fans that more updates will be shared throughout the year via its official social media channels.

Chrono Trigger is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has inspired countless creators and gamers. Its 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of its past but also a reminder of its enduring influence on the RPG genre and beyond.

As we await further details, one thing is certain: the legacy of Chrono Trigger continues to shine brightly, proving that great storytelling and innovative design are truly timeless.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Square Enix’s Latest Earnings Report: A Mixed Bag of Results

Square Enix recently released its financial earnings report for the nine months ending December 31, 2024. The report paints a mixed picture of the company’s performance, with some segments showing growth while others experienced declines.

Financial Overview

Square Enix reported a decrease in net sales, which fell to ¥248.5 billion from ¥257.6 billion the previous year. This decline was primarily attributed to weakness in existing titles within its mobile and PC browser sub-segment. Despite this, the company saw a 70.3% increase in operating profit for its HD games subsection, reaching ¥4.6 billion ($30.2 million). This growth was driven by lower development costs and advertising expenses, as well as stronger-than-expected sales of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D.

Game Performance Highlights

  1. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D: This remake exceeded expectations, contributing significantly to the HD games sub-segment’s profitability. The game’s modernized graphics and nostalgic appeal resonated well with fans, leading to stronger sales than initially anticipated.
  2. Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail: Released in July 2024, this expansion for Final Fantasy 14 saw a 26.4% rise in net sales for the MMO sub-segment, reaching ¥44 billion ($288.6 million). The expansion’s success helped offset some of the declines in other areas1.
  3. Mobile and PC Browser Games: This sub-segment faced significant challenges, with a 58.5% decline in operating profit to ¥5.6 billion ($36.7 million). Despite the launch of the puzzle RPG Emberstoria in November 2024, the segment struggled due to weakness in existing titles and a valuation write-down associated with content production.

Looking ahead, Square Enix remains optimistic about its future prospects, with no changes to its forecast for the fiscal year announced during its FY24 results last May. The company is banking on upcoming titles and continued growth in its successful segments to drive future performance.

Games, Gaming, News

Not exactly EOL but Foamstarts will be on barebone in 2025

Square Enix has announced that the next season of Foamstars, titled “Party Goes On!”, will be the game’s last. Starting on December 13, 2024, and running until January 17, 2025, this final season will mark the end of seasonal updates for the game. However, Foamstars will remain online and playable, with all online services continuing to be available.

After the final season, Square Enix plans to introduce expansions to enhance gameplay, including customizable shots for characters and new enhancement elements like Prism Gems. The Foamstars Cup, a series of in-game events named after each character, will also be held to keep the community engaged.

Despite the end of seasonal updates, previous Season Passes will be made available again, allowing players to obtain items they might have missed. This decision comes after Foamstars transitioned to a free-to-play model in October 2024, following its initial launch as a PlayStation Plus title in February 2024.

Season Updates

As previously announced, season updates for FOAMSTARS will end on December 13. There will be no new content added beyond this date, but the various online services will remain available.

Even after the “PARTY GOES ON!” season concludes on January 17 next year, the FOAMSTARS CUP will begin as in-game events named after each character. In addition, EXTREME PARTY will also take place regularly.

The CASUAL PARTY and MISSION mode, etc. can be enjoyed as before, and previous Season Passes will be made available again as well.

To our players

Thank you so much for playing FOAMSTARS.

I don’t want this to sound like a final message since you will be able to continue playing the game. However I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you all once again, so I’ve taken up my pen to write this producer’s letter.

From the start, alongside Director Rickey, FOAMSTARS had been developed with the goal of creating “a game that everyone can enjoy together.”

“Everyone together” doesn’t just refer to the players, but also includes their family members and partners who may be watching them play, and those who are watching and engaging through streams.

Since the game’s release on February 6, 2024, the development team has been working tirelessly to add new content and features, striving to bring the game as close as possible to that goal.

Throughout both the development and operational phases, we have faced many challenges. However, the support of all of you who play the game, along with the incredible fan art, has been a constant source of encouragement for the team. It’s because of this support that we’ve been able to overcome these difficulties, always with the goal of responding to your feedback.

If FOAMSTARS has become a game that you can enjoy with others, then we couldn’t be happier.

Thanks to all of you, we’ve managed to successfully complete every update we had planned. We’ve been able to reach this point because of your warm support. On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude.

And finally…

Again, the various online services for FOAMSTARS will continue to be available for your enjoyment. The party at Bath Vegas will carry on, thanks to the FOAMSTARS cast and, most of all, to you – the players!

We hope you will continue to enjoy FOAMSTARS for many years to come.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kosuke Okatani (FOAMSTARS Producer)

While the end of seasonal updates may be disappointing for some fans, Square Enix’s commitment to keeping the game online and introducing new gameplay enhancements shows their dedication to the Foamstars community.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Triangle Strategy Temporarily Delisted from Nintendo eShop: What We Know So Far

In a surprising move, Square Enix’s critically acclaimed tactical RPG, Triangle Strategy, has been temporarily delisted from the Nintendo eShop. The game, which has garnered praise for its engaging turn-based combat and epic storyline, is no longer available for purchase on the platform.

However, Square Enix has assured players who have already purchased the game that they can still download and play it at their leisure.

The sudden removal has left many fans puzzled, as no official reason has been provided by Square Enix. The publisher simply stated that the game is “temporarily unavailable” and that they are working on resolving the issue.

This situation is reminiscent of a similar incident earlier this year when Octopath Traveler was temporarily delisted from the eShop before returning with a change in publisher from Nintendo to Square Enix.

Speculation is rife among the gaming community about the reasons behind the delisting. Some believe it could be related to licensing issues or a potential move to bring Triangle Strategy to other platforms such as PS5 and Xbox.

This theory is supported by Square Enix’s recent efforts to expand its games to a wider audience.

While the gaming community eagerly awaits more information, Square Enix has promised to provide updates as soon as the game is available for purchase again. In the meantime, fans can still enjoy Triangle Strategy on Steam, where it is currently on sale.

UPDATE (1/06/2025):

Square Enix announced that Triangle Strategy was back on the Nintendo eShop, but did not entered into details on why it was needed the temporarily delisting.

It is still strongly suggested that a change of publisher ahead of more ports coming this year as the main quite reason.