Square Enix "Behind in Multi-Platform Development"
What game will its Western studio make?
Fumi Shiraishi, game development manager at Square Enix's newly-formed LA development studio, has said that the publisher hasn't been with it when it comes to making games for more than one platform.
"Square Enix as a whole fell behind in multi-platform development", he told Ars Technica in an interview. This was in relation to what platform his studio's title will be for. He said that, given the above statement, it was a big decision that was business driven.
While Square might have fallen behind on multi-platform development, it has been trying to redress the balance lately with the likes of The Last Remnant across PS3, PC and Xbox 360 and, most notably, the decision to release an Xbox 360 version of Final Fantasy.
The studio was formed, of course, with the intention of helping Square push further into Western markets. Shiraishi stayed mum on what the studio's current project is but indicated that it isn't "another FPS" and said that it fits into a "Western niche" category.
As well as the LA-based US studio, Square has also been pushing Westward with its agreement with Gas Powered games and agreed purchase of Eidos.
Shiraishi explained the push as follows - "The stuff [games created by Square Enix in Japan] does what it is supposed to do...but the Japanese market isn't growing."
Speculation on what form the US-developed Square title will take in the forum, please!
Source: Ars Technica
"Square Enix as a whole fell behind in multi-platform development", he told Ars Technica in an interview. This was in relation to what platform his studio's title will be for. He said that, given the above statement, it was a big decision that was business driven.
While Square might have fallen behind on multi-platform development, it has been trying to redress the balance lately with the likes of The Last Remnant across PS3, PC and Xbox 360 and, most notably, the decision to release an Xbox 360 version of Final Fantasy.
The studio was formed, of course, with the intention of helping Square push further into Western markets. Shiraishi stayed mum on what the studio's current project is but indicated that it isn't "another FPS" and said that it fits into a "Western niche" category.
As well as the LA-based US studio, Square has also been pushing Westward with its agreement with Gas Powered games and agreed purchase of Eidos.
Shiraishi explained the push as follows - "The stuff [games created by Square Enix in Japan] does what it is supposed to do...but the Japanese market isn't growing."
Speculation on what form the US-developed Square title will take in the forum, please!
Source: Ars Technica
Companies:
Square Enix
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Comments
Joji 19 Mar 2009 11:57
1/2
Glad to hear it. Doesn't have to be an FPS, Square. However, do take note of other product out there (Mass Effect, Fallout 3), as this can be the main problem in why a lot of japanese game design doesn't adapt well to change, or appeal as much as they could.
Universe IP wise, I still think Square's most appealing IP is Front Mission, with more mature characters than the perfect face androclones of FF etc. Front Mission could sell well, if more action based and marketed properly.
Hey, I wish Konami would do the same kind of thing.
Universe IP wise, I still think Square's most appealing IP is Front Mission, with more mature characters than the perfect face androclones of FF etc. Front Mission could sell well, if more action based and marketed properly.
Hey, I wish Konami would do the same kind of thing.
OptimusP 20 Mar 2009 11:18
2/2
Please, Square-Enix, do not listen to Joji. Resume experimenting on the DS and add some down-scaling of your projects (in terms of technology and narrative) so you can force your teams to focus on gameplay.
I also like how Joji always that Japanese game-design is behind while the game-industry is owned by a Japanese company for a large majority because of japanese game design. The problem now is Japanese companies trying to copy western game-design to appeal to the perceived higher profit margin market layers.
Really, HD-gaming will probably go the way of the arcades, cut-off from it's recruitement market layer combined with raising costs but no growth except in artificially boosting revenue trough limited editions stuff and DLC's.
I also like how Joji always that Japanese game-design is behind while the game-industry is owned by a Japanese company for a large majority because of japanese game design. The problem now is Japanese companies trying to copy western game-design to appeal to the perceived higher profit margin market layers.
Really, HD-gaming will probably go the way of the arcades, cut-off from it's recruitement market layer combined with raising costs but no growth except in artificially boosting revenue trough limited editions stuff and DLC's.