Bad news for Square Enix as they report an extraordinary loss coming out of the last quarter. The circumstances of this loss are quite curious, as they claim to have reached this number after evaluating titles currently in progress.
The company seems to have only had one release in that period, a rerelease of the Nintendo DS version of Final Fantasy IV to Android last June 4. In their report, they do confirm that they have had no major game releases on consoles within the said period. They cite other games, browser based Sengoku IXA, and mobile game Kaku-San-Sei Million Arthur, for good performance. Dragon Quest X, for Wii, Wii U and PC, is also mentioned for its steady performance.
Now, the company cites 'the latest environmental changes in the game industry' as cause to review games that are currently a work-in-progress, as part of a new effort to change how they develop games. In the forefront of my mind would be, Final Fantasy XV, and the Tomb Raider sequel they recently announced and have committed to, as well as upcoming games Lightning Returns and Thief.
Thief and Final Fantasy XV are well known for having gone through a long development period, with rumors that Thief in particular has had a troubled production. Following Eidos Montreal founder Stephane D'Astous' exit from the company, it is hoped that Square Enix did listen to D'Astous and is striving to focus their leadership across all their development teams.
Because of the circumstances surrounding the loss, Square Enix is not obligated to change financial forecasts for the next quarter or the financial year. Hopes are high that Lightning Returns will give the company the payday they need to endure the dawn of the next generation.
Image is from Lightning Returns.
Source: NeoGAF
