Square Enix Becoming More Western?

November 19, 2008

In the recent months, Square Enix has hit the modern day newsstands (aka the Internets) with a few stories.  The developer/publisher of Final Fantasy fame has recently pursued a failed bid for Tecmo, dumped Sony for Microsoft to release the next Final Fantasy, partnered with Gas Powered Games to publish Supreme Commander 2.  Now the new headline is Square Enix seems to be setting up a new studio in the US of A, specifically in Los Angeles.

Square Enix has always been big in the US with titles like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and more, so why are they making these recent moves?  Sony, a Japanese company and longtime platform of Final Fantasy and other Square titles is dumped for Microsoft, a US company to continue the Final Fantasy franchise.  Last week shows the announcement of a strategic partnership with Gas Powered Games based in the US to develop games geared towards the North American market.  Now their own studio in the US.  Will this new studio produce fresh, creative material or will this serve as base to generate revival titles with an American twist?

Square Enix has mentioned they are focused on North American and European markets but there have not been any similar moves to stake ground in Europe.  Anyone think we will see a few Square Enix lead acquistions around the EMEA region in the near future?

By Keith Carter | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (3)

Supreme Commander 2 in Development

November 12, 2008

In an effort to increase their western development Square Enix has partnered with Gas Powered Games to bring Supreme Commander 2 to the masses.  Square Enix has always performed well in their home market of Japan but they have been taking efforts to bring their name and development to the United States and Europe.

“We see great opportunities in European and North American markets, both of which are expected to be maintaining sustainable growth over these coming years,” commented Yoichi Wada, president of Square Enix.

“Therefore, it is crucial we create alliances with proven developers such as Gas Powered Games in order to serve these significant markets better by providing products and services in tune with customer tastes.”

Chris Taylor is the founder of Gas Powered Games who is best known for the Dungeon Siege series.  Supreme Commander was fairly well received so it seems like a decent enough idea for Square Enix to sign Gas Powered Games as their first western developer.  Who wouldn’t get excited for more massive mech battles?

By Tyler Tschida | Tagged , , , | Comment (1)