Square Enix is reaffirming its commitment to a multiplatform strategy, as highlighted by Final Fantasy 14 director Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida. The company, known for its somewhat erratic platform exclusivity deals, is making strides to release its titles across all major platforms, including PC and consoles. This shift reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry, where developers and publishers are recognizing the benefits of reaching a wider audience by making games available to players regardless of their chosen platform.
Historically, Square Enix has faced criticism for its exclusivity practices, which have sometimes hindered the sales potential of popular games. Notable examples include the first Octopath Traveler, which was notably absent from PlayStation, and its sequel, which initially launched without an Xbox version. Such decisions have reportedly affected initial launch sales, prompting Square Enix to announce a more aggressive pursuit of a multiplatform strategy. This shift aims to mitigate past missteps and better serve its fan base.
In a recent interview, Yoshi-P emphasized that Square Enix is moving away from frequent platform exclusives, indicating that future titles will increasingly be released simultaneously on all platforms. This change in approach is designed to enhance accessibility for players and create a more unified gaming experience. The announcement reflects a strategic pivot towards ensuring that fans can enjoy Square Enix titles regardless of their hardware choices.
As part of this ongoing commitment, Square Enix will continue to support multiple platforms with upcoming releases. The next significant title to exemplify this strategy is Fantasian: Neo Dimension, a re-release of a game initially launched on Apple Arcade.
Scheduled for a simultaneous launch on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox this December, the game represents a concerted effort to engage players across all platforms. Yoshi-P expressed his hope that Xbox players, in particular, will embrace this title, as JRPGs have historically struggled to find a foothold on that console.
In addition to discussing multiplatform releases, Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, announced that he is working on a new game alongside the renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu. Meanwhile, Yoshi-P shared a lighter moment, pondering why players in the Monster Hunter Wilds beta were portraying him as a weary character. This blend of serious industry updates and lighthearted commentary reflects Square Enix’s dynamic engagement with both its games and its community.