{{Short description|Japanese entertainment company}} {{Use American English|date=October 2022}} {{cs1 config|display-authors=3}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} {{Infobox company | name = Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. | native_name = 株式会社スクウェア・エニックス・ホールディングス | native_name_lang = ja | romanized_name = Kabushiki-gaisha Sukuwea Enikkusu Hōrudingusu (K.K. Square Enix Holdings) | former_name = Square Enix Co., Ltd. (2003–2008) | logo = Square Enix logo.svg | logo_size = 230px | image = Square Enix HQ (Shinjuku Eastside Square).jpg | image_size = 230px | image_caption = Global headquarters in [[Shinjuku]], Tokyo | type = [[Public company|Public]] | traded_as = {{tyo|9684}} | industry = Entertainment | predecessors = {{Unbulleted list|[[Enix|Enix Corporation]] | [[Square (video game company)|Square Co., Ltd.]] }} | foundation = {{start date and age|2003|04|01}}<ref name="timeline2" />{{efn|Date of merger and emergence of Square Enix. Date of founding on website backdated to foundation of Enix on September 22, 1975 (the surviving company of the 2003 merger).<ref name="foundation year" /><ref name="Japan Times" />}} | hq_location = Shinjuku Eastside Square<br/>[[Shinjuku]], Tokyo | hq_location_country = Japan | key_people = Yasuhiro Fukushima (honorary [[Chairperson|chairman]])<br />Takashi Kiryu ([[President (corporate title)|president]])<br />[[Yoshinori Kitase]] ([[Director (business)|director]])<br/>Yu Miyake ([[Director (business)|director]]) | products = {{Unbulleted list|[[Arcade game|Arcade facilities]] | [[List of Gangan Comics manga franchises|Manga]] | [[Merchandise]] | [[Video game industry|Video games]] | [[Publishing]] }} | revenue = {{increase}} {{JPY| 365,3 billion|link=yes}}<ref name="square-enix.com" /> | revenue_year = 2022 | net_income = {{increase}} {{JPY|26.94 billion}}<ref name="square-enix.com">{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2020 |title=Financial Highlights| website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |url= http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/finance/financial_highlights.html |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180808190427/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/finance/financial_highlights.html |archive-date=August 8, 2018 |access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref> | net_income_year = 2021 | num_employees = 4,604<ref>{{Cite web | title=Archived copy | url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/pdf/25q4slides.pdf | website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514135357/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/pdf/25q4slides.pdf | archive-date=2025-05-14}}</ref> | num_employees_year = 2025/03 | owner = Yasuhiro Fukushima (19.80%) | divisions = | subsid = {{section link||Subsidiaries}} | homepage = {{ubl|{{URL|hd.square-enix.com/eng/}}|{{URL|square-enix.com}}}} }}
{{nihongo foot|'''Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.'''|株式会社スクウェア・エニックス・ホールディングス|Kabushiki gaisha Sukuwea Enikkusu Hōrudingusu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a Japanese [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] [[holding company]], [[video game publisher]] and entertainment conglomerate. It releases [[role-playing video game|role-playing game]] franchises, such as ''[[Final Fantasy]]'', ''[[Dragon Quest]]'', and ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'', among numerous others. Outside of video game publishing and development, it is also in the business of [[merchandise]], [[Arcade game|arcade facilities]], and [[manga]] publication under its [[Gangan Comics]] brand.
The original '''Square Enix Co., Ltd.''' was formed in April 2003 from a [[mergers and acquisitions|merger]] between [[Square (video game company)|Square]] and [[Enix]], with the latter as the surviving company. Each share of Square's [[common stock]] was [[stock swap|exchanged]] for 0.85 shares of Enix's common stock. At the time, 80% of Square Enix staff were made up of former Square employees. As part of the merger, former Square [[President (corporate title)|president]] [[Yoichi Wada]] was appointed the president of the new corporation, while former Enix president Keiji Honda was named vice president. Yasuhiro Fukushima, the largest shareholder of the combined corporation and founder of Enix, became [[Chairperson|chairman]]. In October 2008, Square Enix conducted a company split between its corporate business and video game operations, reorganizing itself as the holding company Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., while its internally domestic video game operations were formed under the subsidiary Square Enix Co., Ltd. The group operates American, Chinese and European branches, based in [[Los Angeles]], [[Beijing]], [[Paris]], [[Hamburg]], and [[London]] respectively.
Several of Square Enix's franchises have sold over 10 million copies worldwide after 2020, with ''Final Fantasy'' selling 173 million, ''Dragon Quest'' selling 85 million, and ''Kingdom Hearts'' shipping 36 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=Matthew |title=Why Final Fantasy is the Biggest RPG Series of All Time |website= IGN.com |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/why-final-fantasy-is-the-biggest-rpg-series-of-all-time |date=April 6, 2020 |language=en |access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711212549/https://www.ign.com/articles/why-final-fantasy-is-the-biggest-rpg-series-of-all-time |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Reports｜Investor Relations {{!}} Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/ar.html | website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |access-date=29 October 2022 |language=en |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221028223018/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/ar.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, Square Enix acquired arcade corporation [[Taito]]. In 2009, Square Enix acquired [[SCi Games|Eidos plc]], the parent company of British game publisher [[Eidos Interactive]], which was then absorbed into its European branch. Square Enix is headquartered at the Shinjuku Eastside Square Building in [[Shinjuku]], Tokyo, along with a second office at [[Osaka]]. It has over 5,000 employees worldwide through its base operations and subsidiaries.
==Corporate history== ===Origins and pre-merger (1975–2003)=== ====Enix (1975–2003)==== {{main|Enix#History}}
Enix was founded on September 22, 1975, as Eidansha Boshu Service Center by Japanese architect-turned-entrepreneur Yasuhiro Fukushima.<ref name="Timeline" /><ref>{{Cite book |title=Japan on the Upswing: Why the Bubble Burst and Japan's Economic Renewal |date=April 2, 2006 |publisher=Algora Publishing |isbn=978-0-87586-461-7 |page=199 |last1= Gotemba| first1= Goro |last2= Iwamoto| first2= Yoshiyuki}}</ref> Enix focused on publishing games, often by companies who exclusively partnered with the company. In the 1980s, in a partnership with developers [[Chunsoft]], the company began publishing the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series of console games.
Key members of the developer's staff consisted of director [[Koichi Nakamura]], writer [[Yuji Horii]], artist [[Akira Toriyama]], and composer [[Koichi Sugiyama]], among others.<ref name="paper" /> The first game, ''[[Dragon Quest (video game)|Dragon Warrior]]'', in the Famicom-based RPG series, was released in 1986 and would eventually sell 1.5 million copies in Japan, establishing ''Dragon Quest'' as the company's most profitable franchise.<ref name="HighScore">{{Cite book |last=Rusel DeMaria, Johnny L. Wilson |title=High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games |date=2004 |publisher=[[McGraw-Hill|McGraw-Hill Professional]] |isbn=0-07-223172-6 |edition=2nd |page= 374 |chapter=Across the Pacific}}</ref><ref name="DQsales1">{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2004 |title=Square Enix: February 2, 2004 – February 4, 2004 |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213144948/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf |archive-date=February 13, 2012 |access-date=July 31, 2008 | website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |page=27 |format=PDF}}</ref> Despite the announcement that Enix's long-time competitor Square would develop exclusively for [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], Enix announced in January 1997 that it would release games for both [[Nintendo]] and [[Sony]] consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 9, 1997 |title=Enix To Develop Titles for the PlayStation |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062196p1.html |website=IGN |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160313145518/http://www.ign.com/articles/1997/01/10/enix-to-develop-titles-for-the-playstation |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |access-date= July 19, 2008}}</ref> This caused a significant rise in stock for both Enix and Sony.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 16, 1997 |title=Enix/Sony Update |url= http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062208p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218114556/http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062208p1.html |archive-date=February 18, 2012 |access-date=July 19, 2008 |website=IGN}}</ref> By November 1999, Enix was listed in the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]]'s first section, indicating it as a "large company".<ref name="Timeline">{{Cite web| website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |title= Square Enix History (timeline) |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/history/ |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070530053804/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/history/#top |archive-date=May 30, 2007 |access-date=August 20, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= March 1, 2008 |title=Transfers to first section |url=http://www.tse.or.jp/english/rules/transfers/index.html |publisher=[[Tokyo Stock Exchange]] |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080928014908/http://www.tse.or.jp/english/rules/transfers/index.html |archive-date=September 28, 2008 |access-date=July 29, 2008}}</ref>
====Square (1983–2003)==== {{main|Square (video game company)#History}}
Square was started in October 1983 by [[Masafumi Miyamoto]] as a computer game software division of Den-Yu-Sha, a [[electric power transmission|power line]] construction company owned by his father. While at the time, game development was usually conducted by only one programmer, Miyamoto believed that it would be more efficient to have graphic designers, programmers and professional story writers working together.<ref name="paper">{{Cite report |url=http://www.e.okayama-u.ac.jp/~dfujii/Option.pdf |title= Entrepreneurial choices of strategic options in Japan's RPG development |last=Fujii |first=Daiji |date=January 2006 |website= okayama-u.ac.jp |publisher=Faculty of Economics, [[Okayama University]] |access-date=April 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061008024010/http://www.e.okayama-u.ac.jp/~dfujii/Option.pdf |archive-date=October 8, 2006}}</ref>
In September 1986, the division was spun off into an independent company led by Miyamoto, officially named Square Co., Ltd.<ref name="CorpHistory">{{Cite web |title=History |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/history3.html| website= square-enix.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618065007/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/history3.html |url-status=live |archive-date=2013-06-18 |publisher=Square Enix Holdings}} [https://web.arc Alt URL]</ref> After releasing several unsuccessful games for the [[Famicom]], Square relocated to [[Ueno, Tokyo]] in 1987 and developed ''[[Final Fantasy (video game)|Final Fantasy]]'', a [[role-playing video game]] inspired by [[Enix]]'s success in the genre with the 1986 ''[[Dragon Quest (video game)|Dragon Quest]]''.<ref name="timeline2">{{Cite web |title=Square Enix Company Timeline |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/history/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120207221933/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/history/ |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |access-date=March 5, 2009}}</ref> ''Final Fantasy'' was a success with over 400,000 copies sold, and it became Square's leading franchise, spawning dozens of games in a series that continues to the present.<ref name= "paper" />
Buoyed by the success of their ''Final Fantasy'' franchise, Square developed notable games and franchises such as ''[[Chrono (series)|Chrono]],'' ''[[Mana (series)|Mana]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' (in collaboration with [[The Walt Disney Company]]), and ''[[Super Mario RPG]]'' (in collaboration with [[Nintendo]]).<ref name="timeline2" /> By late 1994 they had developed a reputation as a producer of high-quality role-playing video games.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1995 |title= Chrono Trigger |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=66 |page=22}}</ref> Square was one of the many companies that had planned to develop and publish its games for the [[Nintendo 64]], but with the cheaper costs associated with developing games on CD-based consoles such as the [[Sega Saturn]] and the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], Square decided to develop titles for the latter system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 11, 1996 |title=Sony Officially Announces Alignment With Square |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062158p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606111510/http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062158p1.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' was one of these games, and it sold 9.8 million copies, making it the second-best-selling game for the PlayStation.<ref name="timeline2" />
===Merger (2003)=== A merger between Square and Enix had been considered since at least 2000; the financial failure in 2001 of Square's first film, ''[[Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within]]'', made Enix reluctant to proceed while Square suffered record losses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Long, Andrew |date=October 13, 2008 |title=RPGamer > Square-Enix Gives Chrono Break Trademark Some Playmates |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2003/042503e.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113044027/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2003/042503e.html |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2016 |publisher=RPGamer}}</ref><ref name="hesitant">{{Cite web |last=Long, Andrew |year=2003 |title=Square-Enix Gives Chrono Break Trademark Some Playmates |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2003/042503e.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113044027/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2003/042503e.html |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2008 |publisher=RPGamer}}</ref> With the company facing its second year of financial losses, Square approached Sony for a capital injection, and on October 8, 2001, Sony purchased an 18.6% stake in Square.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2001 |title=Sony buys stake in Square |url=http://m.ca.ign.com/articles/2001/10/08/sony-buys-stake-in-square-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228055840/http://m.ign.com/articles/2001/10/08/sony-buys-stake-in-square-2 |archive-date=December 28, 2013 |website=IGN}}</ref> Following the success of both ''Final Fantasy X'' and ''Kingdom Hearts'', the company's finances stabilized, and it recorded the highest operating margin in its history in the fiscal year 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winkler, Chris |date=November 13, 2002 |title=Square Expects Strong Financial Results |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/journey-more-than-40-years-gaming-market-square-enix-tournafest|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226121656/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2002/2162.html |archive-date=December 26, 2013 |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=A journey of more than 40 years in the gaming market: Square Enix}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2003 |title=Square Enix Financial data | website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200308040000-01.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109063548/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200308040000-01.pdf |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=December 28, 2013}}</ref> It was announced on November 25, 2002, that Square and Enix's previous plans to merge were to officially proceed, intending to decrease development costs and to compete with foreign developers.<ref name="Merged">{{Cite web |last=Anoop Gantayat |date=November 25, 2002 |title=Square and Enix Merge |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/378/378635p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517102726/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/378/378635p1.html |archive-date=May 17, 2012 |access-date=July 19, 2008 |website=IGN}}</ref> As described by Square's president and CEO Yoichi Wada: "Square has also fully recovered, meaning this merger is occurring at a time when both companies are at their height."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Square and Enix to merge |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2002/11/25/square-and-enix-merge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124034916/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/25/square-and-enix-merge |archive-date=November 24, 2013 |access-date=December 25, 2013 |website=IGN.com|date=November 25, 2002}}</ref>
Some shareholders expressed concerns about the merger, notably Miyamoto (the founder and largest shareholder of Square), who would find himself holding a significantly smaller percentage of the combined companies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone, Courtney |date=January 11, 2003 |title=Trouble in paradise |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2003/011103a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222164919/https://archive.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2003/011103a.html |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=RPGamer}}</ref> Other criticism came from Takashi Oya of Deutsche Securities, who expressed doubts about the benefits of such a merger: "Enix outsources game development and has few in-house creators, while Square does everything by itself. The combination of the two provides no negative factors but would bring little in the way of operational synergies."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jim |date=November 26, 2002 |title=Japan Game Software Firms Square, Enix to Merge |url=http://www.gamecubicle.com/news-nintendo_gamecube_square_enix_merger.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060205062924/http://www.gamecubicle.com/news-nintendo_gamecube_square_enix_merger.htm |archive-date=February 5, 2006 |access-date=December 28, 2013 |publisher=GameCubicle.com}}</ref> Miyamoto's concerns were eventually resolved by altering the exchange ratio of the merger so that each Square share would be exchanged for 0.85 Enix shares rather than 0.81 shares, and the merger was greenlit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winkler, Chris |date=January 14, 2003 |title=Square Enix Merger gets greenlight |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2003/1034.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030213173938/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2003/1034.html |archive-date=February 13, 2003 |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=RPGFan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2004 |title=Square Enix: 2004 Annual Report |url= http://www.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/ar_20040806_01.pdf#page=14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307072446/http://www.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/ar_20040806_01.pdf |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |access-date=December 3, 2011| website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |page=12 |format=PDF}}</ref> The merger was set for April 1, 2003, on which date the newly merged entity Square Enix came into being.<ref name="timeline2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2004 |title= Square Enix: 2004 Annual Report |url=http://www.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/ar_20040806_01.pdf#page=17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307072446/http://www.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/ar_20040806_01.pdf |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |access-date=December 3, 2011| website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |page=15 |format=PDF}}</ref> At the time of the merger, 80% of Square Enix staff were made up of former Square employees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winkler, Chris |date=April 23, 2004 |title=Square Enix – One Year After the Merger |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/editorials/2004/04-23.html |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040620062343/http://www.rpgfan.com/editorials/2004/04-23.html |archive-date=June 20, 2004 |access-date=January 25, 2010 |publisher=RPGFan}}</ref> As part of the merger, former Square president Yoichi Wada was appointed the president of the new corporation, while former Enix president Keiji Honda became its vice president.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 25, 2002 |title=Square and Enix Merge |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/378/378635p1.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080119164915/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/378/378635p1.html |archive-date=January 19, 2008 |access-date=August 10, 2012 |website=IGN}}</ref> The founder of Enix and the largest [[shareholder]] of the newly combined corporation, Yasuhiro Fukushima, was made its honorary chairman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shareholder Information| website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |url=http://www.square-enix.com/eng/ir/stockholder.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323151308/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/stock/shareholder.html |archive-date=March 23, 2013 |access-date=February 15, 2010}}</ref>
As a result of the merger, Enix was the surviving company and Square Co., Ltd. was dissolved.<ref name="Japan Times">{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2002 |title=Game software firms Enix, Square to merge on April 1 |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2002/11/27/business/game-software-firms-enix-square-to-merge-on-april-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713015547/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2002/11/27/business/game-software-firms-enix-square-to-merge-on-april-1/ |archive-date=July 13, 2017 |access-date=March 11, 2017 |website=[[Japan Times]]}}</ref><ref name="foundation year">{{Cite web |title=Corporate Profile – Corporate Information| website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/outline.html |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190725212927/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/outline.html |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |access-date=September 3, 2017}}</ref> In July of that year, the Square Enix headquarters were moved to Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, to help combine the two companies.<ref name="CorpHistory" />
===Post-merger and acquisitions (2003–2013)=== To strengthen its wireless market, Square Enix acquired mobile application developer UIEvolution in March 2004, which was sold in December 2007, and the company instead founded its own Square Enix MobileStudio in January 2008 to focus on mobile products.<ref name="UIEvolution" /><ref name="company subsidiaries">{{Cite web|title=Group Companies|url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/group.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516152638/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/group.html|archive-date=May 16, 2016|access-date=May 19, 2016|publisher=Square Enix}}</ref> In January 2005, Square Enix founded Square Enix China, expanding its interests in the People's Republic of China.<ref name="CorpHistory" />
In September 2005, Square Enix bought the gaming developer and publisher [[Taito]], renowned for their arcade hits such as ''[[Space Invaders]]'' and the ''[[Bubble Bobble]]'' series; Taito's home and portable console games divisions were merged into Square Enix itself by March 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=Taito Corporation – Notice of Inquiry Change |url=https://www.taito.co.jp/corporate/topics/news/1370 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202012535/https://www.taito.co.jp/corporate/topics/news/1370 |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |access-date=March 11, 2010 |publisher=Taito Corporation}}</ref> In August 2008, Square Enix made plans for a similar expansion by way of a friendly takeover of video game developer [[Tecmo]] by purchasing shares at a 30 percent premium, but Tecmo rejected the proposed takeover.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |date=August 29, 2008 |title=Report: Square Enix makes $200M Tecmo bid |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6196996.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110073755/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6196996.html |archive-date=January 10, 2009 |access-date=August 29, 2008 |publisher=Gamespot}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=September 4, 2008 |title=Report: Square Enix Takes "No" For An Answer, Withdraws Takeover Offer |url=http://m.kotaku.com/5045705/square-enix-takes-no-for-an-answer-withdraws-takeover-offer |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220607050958/http://m.kotaku.com/5045705/square-enix-takes-no-for-an-answer-withdraws-takeover-offer |archive-date=June 7, 2022 |access-date=September 4, 2008 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> Tecmo would later merge with [[Koei]] in April 2009 to form [[Koei Tecmo]]. In April 2007, Square Enix Ltd. CEO John Yamamoto also became CEO of Square Enix, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Matt|date=17 April 2007|title=Square Enix promotes Yamamoto to North American CEO|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/square-enix-promotes-yamamoto-to-north-american-ceo|access-date=2021-07-11|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711172441/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/square-enix-promotes-yamamoto-to-north-american-ceo|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008–2009, Square Enix was reportedly working with [[Grin (company)|Grin]] on a ''Final Fantasy'' spin-off codenamed ''[[Fortress (cancelled video game)|Fortress]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GRIN's Final Fantasy spin-off still in development|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/grins-final-fantasy-spin-off-still-in-development|access-date=2021-09-28|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=September 21, 2009|language=en|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928213306/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/grins-final-fantasy-spin-off-still-in-development|url-status=live}}</ref> The project was allegedly canceled by Square Enix after introducing seemingly impossible milestones and without payments made, resulting in Grin declaring bankruptcy and its co-founders blaming Square Enix for being "betrayed".<ref>{{Cite web|title=GRIN founders say Square Enix turned their smiles upside down|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-05-29-grin-founders-say-square-enix-turned-their-smiles-upside-down.html|access-date=2021-09-28|website=Engadget|date=May 29, 2011 |language=en-US|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928213300/https://www.engadget.com/2011-05-29-grin-founders-say-square-enix-turned-their-smiles-upside-down.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 8, 2009, Square Enix signed an agreement with Ubisoft where the former would work to assist the latter in distributing its video games in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/ja/news/2009/html/b7cc1bc663d0ad56526f09842c8329ac.html |title= スクウェア・エニックス、仏大手ゲームソフトメーカーユービーアイソフトと独占販売契約を締結| trans-title= Square Enix has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Ubisoft, a major French video game software company| date= 2009-01-08| website= square-enix.com |publisher= Square Enix |language= ja}}</ref>
In February 2009, Square Enix announced a takeover deal for [[SCi Games|Eidos]] (formerly SCi Entertainment), the [[holding company]] for [[Eidos Interactive]]. The UK-based publisher's assets include ''[[Tomb Raider]]'', ''[[Hitman (franchise)|Hitman]]'', ''[[Deus Ex]]'', ''[[Thief (series)|Thief]]'', and ''[[Legacy of Kain]]'' franchises, along with subsidiary development studios Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal and [[IO Interactive]] that developed the games.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Andy Chalk |date=October 27, 2014 |title=The $200 Eidos Anthology arrives on Steam |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/the-200-eidos-anthology-arrives-on-steam/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504075325/http://www.pcgamer.com/the-200-eidos-anthology-arrives-on-steam/ |archive-date=May 4, 2016 |access-date=May 14, 2016}}</ref> The acquisition of Eidos was completed in April 2009, and in November it was merged with Square Enix's European publishing organization, business unit [[Square Enix Europe]].<ref name="Eidosbought" /><ref name="SEEformed" /> Eidos' US operations were merged with Square Enix Incorporated.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |last=Elliott |first=Phil |date=7 July 2009 |title=Square Enix revamps Europe operation |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/square-enix-revamps-europe-operation |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120902052825/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/square-enix-revamps-europe-operation |archive-date=2 September 2012 |access-date=29 October 2017 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]}}</ref> In April 2010, a new Japanese label for Western games bearing [[Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]] restrictions called ''Square Enix Extreme Edges'' was announced.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fletcher|first=J.|date=27 April 2010|title=Square Enix 'Extreme Edges' is new label for publisher's violent games in Japan|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-04-27-square-enix-extreme-edges-is-new-label-for-violent-games.html|access-date=2022-02-24|website=[[Joystiq]]| language= en-US|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224234202/https://www.engadget.com/2010-04-27-square-enix-extreme-edges-is-new-label-for-violent-games.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2010, Mike Fischer was appointed CEO of Square Enix, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web| last= Graft |first= Kris |date= July 21, 2010|title=New President For Square Enix U.S. Division|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/120386/New_President_For_Square_Enix_US_Division.php|access-date= 2021-07-11| website=[[Gamasutra]]|language=en|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210711172439/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/120386/New_President_For_Square_Enix_US_Division.php|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal| date=2010-10-26|title=INTERVIEW: Square Enix|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/publishing/interview-square-enix/|access-date=2021-07-11| journal= MCV| language= en-GB|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928210554/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/publishing/interview-square-enix/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Square Enix founded the mobile development studio Hippos Lab in March 2011<ref name="hippos">{{Cite web |last=Rose, Mike |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Square Enix Forms New Japanese Mobile Studio Hippos Lab |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/square-enix-forms-new-japanese-mobile-studio-hippos-lab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210325/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33668/Square_Enix_Forms_New_Japanese_Mobile_Studio_Hippos_Lab.php |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=May 14, 2016 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref> and [[Square Enix Montréal]] in 2012.<ref name="SEM" /> In May 2011, [[VG24/7]] reported [[Stainless Games]] had purchased the rights to ''[[Carmageddon]]'' from Square Enix.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garratt |first=Patrick |date=2011-05-23 |title=New Carmageddon is an indie project, Square Enix not involved |url=https://www.vg247.com/new-carmageddon-is-an-indie-project-square-enix-not-involved |access-date=2026-01-29 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Carmageddon: Reincarnation coming next year as a downloadable game |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-06-01-carmageddon-reincarnation-coming-next-year-as-a-downloadable-ga.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref> In July 2011, it was reported that Square Enix closed its Los Angeles Studio.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2011 |title=Report: Square Enix Los Angeles Studio Closed |url=https://www.siliconera.com/report-square-enix-los-angeles-studio-closed/ |access-date=August 15, 2020 |website=Siliconera |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026061131/https://www.siliconera.com/report-square-enix-los-angeles-studio-closed/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2012, Square Enix North American office could pursue smaller niche, mobile and social media games due to its existing revenue streams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karlin |first=Susan |date=2012-01-30 |title=Square Enix: A Tale Of Two Gaming Cultures |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/1679515/square-enix-a-tale-of-two-gaming-cultures |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=Fast Company |language=en-US |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531094218/https://www.fastcompany.com/1679515/square-enix-a-tale-of-two-gaming-cultures |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2012, Square Enix was perceived as a "force in mobile" games by ''[[Kotaku]]''. The price of ''Final Fantasy Dimensions'' and ''Demons' Score'', $30 and $44 respectively, was criticized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Square Enix Defends The Surprisingly High Pricing of Their iOS/Android Games |url=https://kotaku.com/square-enix-defends-the-surprisingly-high-pricing-of-th-5950253 |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=Kotaku |date=October 9, 2012 |language=en-us |archive-date=December 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224175827/https://kotaku.com/square-enix-defends-the-surprisingly-high-pricing-of-th-5950253 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Restructuring (2013)=== On March 26, 2013, citing sluggish sales of major Western games, Square Enix announced major restructuring, expected loss of ¥10 billion and resignation of President Yoichi Wada, whom Yosuke Matsuda replaced.<ref name="Wada-resign-polygon">{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2013 |title=Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada resigns (update) |url= https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/26/4148094/square-enix-ceo-yoichi-wada-resigns |website=Polygon |language=en |access-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129032844/https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/26/4148094/square-enix-ceo-yoichi-wada-resigns |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "restructuring-engadget">{{Cite web |last=Kubba |first=Sinan |title=Square Enix president Wada to step down, $106M 'restructuring' loss [update] |url= https://www.engadget.com/2013-03-26-square-enix-president-wada-to-step-down-106m-restructuring-l.html |website=Engadget |date=March 26, 2013 |language=en |access-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131094117/https://www.engadget.com/2013-03-26-square-enix-president-wada-to-step-down-106m-restructuring-l.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Phil Rogers was elected as a new Director, among others.<ref name="Wada-resign-polygon" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Notice of Resolutions Adopted at the 33rd Annual Shareholders' Meeting |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/stock/pdf/meeting_20130626_01.pdf |website= square-enix.com| publisher= Square Enix |access-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124084549/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/stock/pdf/meeting_20130626_01.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> With the restructuring, Square Enix of America CEO Mike Fischer left the company in May, with former Square Enix Europe CEO Phil Rogers becoming CEO of Americas and Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=May 23, 2013 |title=President of Square Enix of America leaves company (update) |url= https://www.polygon.com/2013/5/23/4358542/president-of-square-enix-of-america-leaves-company |access-date=August 16, 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111195647/https://www.polygon.com/2013/5/23/4358542/president-of-square-enix-of-america-leaves-company |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Weber |first1=Rachel |title=Square Roots: The man in charge of Square Enix's Western future |url= https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-05-15-square-roots-the-man-in-charge-of-square-enixs-western-future |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190827192744/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-05-15-square-roots-the-man-in-charge-of-square-enixs-western-future |archive-date=27 August 2019 |access-date=15 August 2020 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=May 15, 2014 |language=en}}</ref> Further executive changes at Square Enix Western studios were mentioned in a statement.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Futter|first=Mike|date=July 23, 2013|title=Eidos Montreal General Manager Stephan D'Astous Resigns |url= https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/07/23/report-stephane-d-astous%2C-eidos-montreal-general-manager-resigns.aspx|access-date=2021-07-11|website=[[GameInformer]] | language=en|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711172440/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/07/23/report-stephane-d-astous,-eidos-montreal-general-manager-resigns.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Square Enix Europe was hit with layoffs<ref>{{cite web |last1=Corriea |first1=Alexa Ray |date= 29 April 2013 |title=Square Enix Europe hit with layoffs as company-wide restructuring continues |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/29/4281986/square-enix-europe-layoffs-restructuring-continues |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019101449/https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/29/4281986/square-enix-europe-layoffs-restructuring-continues |archive-date=19 October 2021 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref> and Life President [[Ian Livingstone]] departed from the company in September 2013.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |last=Corriea |first=Alexa Ray |date=30 September 2013 |title=Eidos President and CEO Ian Livingstone departs after 20 years |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/30/4787344/eidos-president-and-ceo-ian-livingstone-departs-after-20-years |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171029012943/https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/30/4787344/eidos-president-and-ceo-ian-livingstone-departs-after-20-years |archive-date=29 October 2017 |access-date=29 October 2017 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Matt |date=30 September 2013 |title=Ian Livingstone leaves Eidos |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-09-30-ian-livingstone-leaves-eidos |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171029013104/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-09-30-ian-livingstone-leaves-eidos |archive-date=29 October 2017 |access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref>
It said with the fiscal year report in March 2013, sales of ''Tomb Raider'' (2013) and ''Hitman: Absolution'' were weak, despite critical acclaim. The North American sales force was said to be ineffective and price pressure was intense.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rose|first=Mike|title=Square Enix president steps down following terrible year for the company|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/square-enix-president-steps-down-following-terrible-year-for-the-company|website= gamasutra.com|date=March 26, 2013| language= en|access-date=January 28, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210125035325/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/189285/Square_Enix_president_steps_down_following_terrible_year_for_the_company.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Matsuda noted the long development time of its important games and said it needs to shift to a business model with frequent customer interactions, noting [[Kickstarter]] as an example.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sahev |first=Ishaan |date=May 27, 2013 |title=Square Enix Feel They Have Something To Learn From Kickstarter |url=https://www.siliconera.com/square-enix-feel-they-have-something-to-learn-from-kickstarter/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202005802/https://www.siliconera.com/square-enix-feel-they-have-something-to-learn-from-kickstarter/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Post-restructuring and RPG development (2013–2021)=== In March 2013, Square Enix India opened in Mumbai; however the office was closed in April 2014 and reopened five years later.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray |date= April 14, 2014|title=Square Enix India shutters after one year|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/4/14/5613222/square-enix-india-shutters-after-one-year|access-date= August 15, 2020|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200730021146/https://www.polygon.com/2014/4/14/5613222/square-enix-india-shutters-after-one-year|url-status=live}}</ref> As well as Square Enix Latin America in Mexico,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pearson|first=Dan|date=7 March 2013|title=New offices in Mexico, India for Square Enix| url= https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-03-07-new-offices-in-mexico-india-for-square-enix|access-date=|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en|archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205203/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-03-07-new-offices-in-mexico-india-for-square-enix|url-status= live}}</ref> which was closed in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Garst|first=Aron|date=30 October 2018|title=The Story Behind Square Enix's Failed Latin America Video Game Division|url=https://kotaku.com/the-story-behind-square-enixs-failed-latin-america-vide-1830085992|access-date=|website=Kotaku|language=en-us|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203016/https://kotaku.com/the-story-behind-square-enixs-failed-latin-america-vide-1830085992|url-status=live}}</ref> A mobile studio called Smileworks was founded in Indonesia in June 2013; however it was closed in January 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Square Enix shutters Indonesian mobile studio| url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-01-14-square-enix-shutters-indonesian-mobile-studio|access-date=August 15, 2020|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=January 14, 2015|language=en|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827062932/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-01-14-square-enix-shutters-indonesian-mobile-studio|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, [[Square Enix Collective]] launched, an indie developer service provider headed by Phil Elliot.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weber |first1=Rachel |title=Square Enix Collective launches |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-01-27-square-enix-collective-launches |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201030050457/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-01-27-square-enix-collective-launches |archive-date=30 October 2020 |access-date= 20 September 2020 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=January 27, 2014 |language=en}}</ref> Also in 2014, Square Enix signed a [[strategic alliance]] and cooperation with Japanese and French video game companies, [[Bandai Namco Entertainment]] and [[Ubisoft]]; it has served as the Japanese publisher of video games and crossover productions since 2009.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}
In March 2014, following the success of ''[[Bravely Default]]'', Square Enix said it will "go back to their roots" and focus on creating content that will appeal to its core audience.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray|date=2014-03-31|title=Square Enix to renew focus on core gamers, 'heavy JRPGs' thanks to Bravely Default |url= https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/31/5566388/square-enix-renew-focus-on-core-gamers-heavy-jrpgs-bravely-default|access-date=|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=June 24, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204544/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/31/5566388/square-enix-renew-focus-on-core-gamers-heavy-jrpgs-bravely-default|url-status= live}}</ref> Karl Stewart, vice president of strategic marketing at Square Enix for North America and Europe, left the company that month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first= Samit |date=2014-03-20 |title=Square Enix marketing VP Karl Stewart leaves the company |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/20/5530542/square-enix-karl-stewart-leaves-the-company-crystal-dynamics |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2014-03-23 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140323225856/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/20/5530542/square-enix-karl-stewart-leaves-the-company-crystal-dynamics |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, Square created a new studio known as [[Tokyo RPG Factory]] to develop what was then dubbed ''[[I Am Setsuna|Project Setsuna]].''<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brian Shea |date= June 15, 2015 |title=New Studio Tokyo RPG Factory Announces Project Setsuna |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/06/16/new-studio-tokyo-rpg-factory-announces-project-setsuna.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160425235428/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/06/16/new-studio-tokyo-rpg-factory-announces-project-setsuna.aspx |archive-date= April 25, 2016 |access-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Own S. Good |date=June 16, 2015 |title=Square Enix creates new studio to handle new RPG: Project Setsuna |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/16/8790589/square-enix-creates-new-studio-to-handle-new-rpg-project-setsuna |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150929002142/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/16/8790589/square-enix-creates-new-studio-to-handle-new-rpg-project-setsuna |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |access-date=June 21, 2016 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> Around 2015, Square Enix's Western divisions began "officially working across LA and London".<ref>{{cite magazine |date=4 September 2015 |title=Hip to be Square: US and EU boss Phil Rogers on the publisher's huge line-up |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/publishing/hip-to-be-square-us-and-eu-boss-phil-rogers-on-the-publishers-huge-line-up/ |url-status=live |magazine=MCV/DEVELOP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614052511/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/publishing/hip-to-be-square-us-and-eu-boss-phil-rogers-on-the-publishers-huge-line-up/ |archive-date=14 June 2021 |access-date=15 August 2020 |quote=The industry changes and one of the big things over the last couple of the years has been the European team working hand-in-hand with the American team, and since March this year we've had them working officially across LA and London}}</ref>
In January 2017, Norwegian studio Artplant purchased former Eidos franchise [[Project I.G.I.]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tucker |first=Jake |date=2019-05-15 |title=Norwegian studio Artplant buy Project IGI brand from Square Enix |language=en |work=MCV |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/publishing/norwegian-studio-artplant-buy-project-igi-brand-from-square-enix/ |url-status=live |access-date=2022-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929175519/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/publishing/norwegian-studio-artplant-buy-project-igi-brand-from-square-enix/ |archive-date=29 September 2022 |issn=1469-4832}}</ref> On February 21, 2017, the formation of a new studio Studio Istolia was announced. The studio, headed by [[Hideo Baba]], would be working on the new RPG ''Project Prelude Rune''.<ref>{{Cite web |last= Copeland | first= Wesley |website= IGN |date=February 21, 2017 |title= Square Enix Launches New Studio, Announces New RPG |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/21/square-enix-launches-new-studio-announces-new-rpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222080824/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/21/square-enix-launches-new-studio-announces-new-rpg |archive-date=February 22, 2017 |access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref> In November 2017, IO Interactive conducted a management buyout from Square Enix and the Hitman IP was transferred to the studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Batchelor |date=2017-11-22 |title="It's not Hitman without IO": Why Square Enix set the franchise free |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/its-not-hitman-without-io-why-square-enix-set-the-franchise-free |access-date=2023-06-04 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524212316/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/its-not-hitman-without-io-why-square-enix-set-the-franchise-free |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, [[Chief operating officer|COO]] Mike Sherlock died, with Square Enix's executive team assuming his immediate responsibilities.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kerr |first1=Chris |date=7 September 2018 |title=Obituary: Square Enix America and Europe COO Mike Sherlock |url= https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/obituary-square-enix-america-and-europe-coo-mike-sherlock |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031342/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/326003/Obituary_Square_Enix_America_and_Europe_COO_Mike_Sherlock.php |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=15 August 2020 |website= gamasutra.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2018, Square Enix branded its third party publishing division [[Square Enix External Studios]], which is headed by Jon Brooke and Lee Singleton.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCaffrey |first1=Ryan |date=18 August 2020 |title=Outriders Bosses Discuss Working on Hitman, Just Cause, Sleeping Dogs, and More – IGN Unfiltered #52 – IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/outriders-bosses-discuss-working-on-hitman-just-cause-sleeping-dogs-and-more-ign-unfiltered-52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821005206/https://www.ign.com/articles/outriders-bosses-discuss-working-on-hitman-just-cause-sleeping-dogs-and-more-ign-unfiltered-52 |archive-date=21 August 2020 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fogel |first=Stefanie |date=2018-09-20 |title='Life Is Strange: Before the Storm' Dev Making New Square Enix Game |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/deck-nine-square-enix-project-1202951623/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306232026/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/deck-nine-square-enix-project-1202951623/ |archive-date=6 March 2021 |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> John Heinecke was appointed as [[Chief marketing officer|CMO]] for Americas and Europe in October 2018.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=11 October 2018 |title=Square Enix announces John Heinecke as new CMO |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/square-enix-announces-john-heinecke-as-new-cmo/ |url-status=live |magazine=MCV/DEVELOP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109023901/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/square-enix-announces-john-heinecke-as-new-cmo/ |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref>
Baba departed the studio in early 2019, and shortly after this, Studio Istolia was closed, and ''Project Prelude Rune'' cancelled following an assessment of the project, with its staff being reassigned to different projects within the company.<ref name="IshtolaEnd" /> In 2019, Square Enix opened an Indian office again, now in [[Bangalore]],<ref name="SEIndia">{{Cite web |last=Desai |first=Sameer |date=December 4, 2019 |title=Square Enix takes second crack at India |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sci-tech/square-enix-takes-second-crack-at-india/articleshow/72353152.cms |website=Mumbai Mirror |language=en |access-date=April 1, 2021 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126130149/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sci-tech/square-enix-takes-second-crack-at-india/articleshow/72353152.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> which expanded into publishing mobile games for the Indian market in 2021.<ref name="IndiaMobile">{{Cite web |last=Alwani |first=Rishi |date=February 3, 2021 |title=This Is Square Enix India's First Game |url=https://in.ign.com/square-enix-unreal-engine-project-untitled-tba/154611/news/square-enix-india-ludo-zenith-download-apk-jetsynthesys |website=IGN India |language=en-in |access-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203132558/https://in.ign.com/square-enix-unreal-engine-project-untitled-tba/154611/news/square-enix-india-ludo-zenith-download-apk-jetsynthesys |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, Square Enix donated $2.4 million to charities around its Western studios and offices for the [[Black Lives Matter]] cause and [[COVID-19]], which were partially raised from sales of its discounted Square Enix Eidos Anthology bundle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Chris |date=11 May 2020 |title=Square Enix Eidos Anthology: Get 54 Games for $39, for Charity |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/square-enix-eidos-anthology-get-54-games-for-39-for-charity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711153151/https://www.ign.com/articles/square-enix-eidos-anthology-get-54-games-for-39-for-charity |archive-date=11 July 2021 |access-date=11 July 2021 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kratky |first=Otto |date=18 June 2020 |title=Square Enix Raises $2.4 Million With Stay Home & Play Campaign |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/square-enix-stay-home-campaign/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182914/https://www.dualshockers.com/square-enix-stay-home-campaign/ |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=3 July 2021 |website=DualShockers |language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2021, Forever Entertainment, a Polish studio, was reported to be working to bring several of Square Enix's properties to modern systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peppiatt |first=Dom |date=March 1, 2021 |title=Looks like many more Square Enix remakes are on the way |url=https://www.vg247.com/2021/03/01/square-enix-remakes-forever-entertainment/ |access-date=March 1, 2021 |website=[[VG247]] |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301170427/https://www.vg247.com/2021/03/01/square-enix-remakes-forever-entertainment/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A new mobile studio called Square Enix London Mobile, working on ''[[Tomb Raider Reloaded]]'' and an unannounced title based on [[Avatar: The Last Airbender (franchise)|''Avatar: The Last Airbender'']] with Navigator Games, was announced on October 20, 2021.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Batchelor |first=James |date=20 October 2021 |title=Square Enix opens London mobile studio |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-20-square-enix-opens-london-mobile-studio |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211030155817/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-20-square-enix-opens-london-mobile-studio |archive-date=30 October 2021 |access-date=30 October 2021 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref>
===Divestment of studios and business changes (2022–present)=== In March 2022, Square Enix announced that it would donate $500,000 to the [[United Nations]] fund for Ukrainian refugees in the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=March 15, 2022 |title=Square Enix donates $500k to UN's Ukraine refugee fund |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/square-enix-donates-usd500k-to-uns-ukraine-refugee-fund |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>
On May 1, 2022, Square Enix announced that it would sell several assets of subsidiary [[Square Enix Europe|Square Enix Limited]] to Swedish games holding company [[Embracer Group]] for $300 million. This included studios [[Crystal Dynamics]], [[Eidos-Montréal]], and [[Square Enix Montreal]], IPs ''[[Deus Ex]]'', ''[[Legacy of Kain]]'', ''[[Thief (series)|Thief]]'', and ''[[Tomb Raider]]'' and rights to "over 50 games". Square Enix stated that the sale will further help it in investment into [[blockchain]] and other technologies, and to "assist the company in adapting to the changes underway in the global business environment by establishing a more efficient allocation of resources". Square Enix also stated that it would retain the ''[[Life Is Strange]]'', ''[[Outriders (video game)|Outriders]]'', and ''[[Just Cause (video game series)|Just Cause]]'' franchises.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=2022-05-02 |title=Square-Enix sells all of its Western game studios—and their games—to Embracer |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/05/embracer-acquires-tomb-raider-deus-ex-and-all-western-square-enix-game-studios/ |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502155324/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/05/embracer-acquires-tomb-raider-deus-ex-and-all-western-square-enix-game-studios/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Square Enix Says Embracer Sale Will Help Fund Its Blockchain Investment |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-says-embracer-sale-will-help-fund-its-blockchain-investment/1100-6502978/ |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |access-date=2022-05-02 |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502163121/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-says-embracer-sale-will-help-fund-its-blockchain-investment/1100-6502978/ |url-status=live}}</ref> However, during the Japanese publisher's full-year financial results briefing on May 13, president Yosuke Matsuda clarified the past statement and said the money from the sale will be used to strengthen the company's core games business.<ref>{{cite web | last=Ivan | first=Tom | title=Square Enix says Crystal Dynamics and Eidos sale won't be invested in NFTs and blockchain | url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/square-enix-says-crystal-dynamics-and-eidos-sale-wont-be-invested-in-nfts-and-blockchain/ | website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] | date=June 6, 2022 | access-date=June 17, 2022 | archive-date=June 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617084530/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/square-enix-says-crystal-dynamics-and-eidos-sale-wont-be-invested-in-nfts-and-blockchain/ | url-status=live}}</ref> On July 25, 2022, Square Enix launched the English version of ''[[Manga Up!]].''<ref>{{cite web |last=Loo |first=Egan |date=July 25, 2022 |title=Square Enix Launches Official English Version of Manga UP! App, Website |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/07/25-1/square-enix-launches-official-english-version-of-manga-up-app-website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725123447/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/07/25-1/square-enix-launches-official-english-version-of-manga-up-app-website |archive-date=July 25, 2022 |access-date=July 25, 2022 |website=[[Crunchyroll]]}}</ref> The acquisition was closed by August 26, 2022, with the assets being held under CDE Entertainment which is headed from London by Phil Rogers, former CEO of Square Enix Americas and Europe.<ref>{{cite news |date= August 26, 2022|title=Embracer Group completes acquisition of Square Enix's western studios |newspaper=Eurogamer.net |url= https://www.eurogamer.net/embracer-group-completes-acquisition-of-square-enixs-western-studios |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221123115319/https://www.eurogamer.net/embracer-group-completes-acquisition-of-square-enixs-western-studios |archive-date=23 November 2022 |accessdate=2022-08-26}}</ref>
In the company's financial statement for the following quarter, released in September 2022, Matsuda said it was moving away from outright owning studios due to rising costs of development, but were looking at means to invest in studios such as joint ventures or investment opportunities.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-plans-to-move-away-from-fully-owning-studios-because-of-rising-development-costs/1100-6507511/ | title = Square Enix Plans To Move Away From Fully Owning Studios Because Of Rising Development Costs | first = Jenny | last = Zheng | date = September 14, 2022 | accessdate = September 14, 2022 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = September 15, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220915000459/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-plans-to-move-away-from-fully-owning-studios-because-of-rising-development-costs/1100-6507511/ | url-status = live}}</ref> In 2022, Square Enix invested in seven business strategic cooperations in the [[blockchain]] and [[Cloud computing|cloud services]] such as Zebedee (United States), Blocklords (Estonia), Cross The Ages (France), Blacknut (France), [[Animoca Brands]]-owned [[The Sandbox (2012 video game)|The Sandbox]] (Australia and Hong Kong), and Ubitus (Japan).<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2022 |title=2022 Financial Results Briefing Session |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/pdf/23q2slides.pdf |website= square-enix.com| publisher= Square Enix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107092329/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/pdf/23q2slides.pdf |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |access-date=November 13, 2022 }}</ref>
On February 28, 2023, Square Enix Holdings announced that on May 1, [[Luminous Productions]] would reorganize and merge with Square Enix internally, citing the merging of the two would "enhance the group's abilities to develop HD games" for the 20th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reorganization within the SQUARE ENIX GROUP {{!}} SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/2023/html/20230228_announcement_EN.html |access-date=2023-02-28 |website= square-enix.com |language=en |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228112816/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/2023/html/20230228_announcement_EN.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On March 3, Square Enix issued a statement announcing a proposed change to the position of its president and representative director that, if implemented, would result in Yosuke Matsuda stepping down and being succeeded by Takashi Kiryu, who is presently the company's director. The change will become effective upon approval at the company's 43rd annual shareholders' meeting, which is planned for June 2023, and the board meeting which will follow ahead on the 20th anniversary of the merger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Notification of Changes in the Representative Director of the Company and a Consolidated Subsidiary |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/pdf/web_Notification%20of%20Changes%20in%20the%20Representative%20Director%20of%20the%20Company%20and%20a%20Consolidated%20Subsidiary.pdf |website= square-enix.com |access-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303085419/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/pdf/web_Notification%20of%20Changes%20in%20the%20Representative%20Director%20of%20the%20Company%20and%20a%20Consolidated%20Subsidiary.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Kiryu succeeded on May 18 and was seen as part of the ''[[Final Fantasy XVI]]'' launch event as one of his first appearances in public.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Announcement of Executive Appointment {{!}} SQUARE ENIX |url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ |access-date=2023-06-04 |website= jp.square-enix.com |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513075216/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author1=Rich Stanton |date=2023-06-13 |title=New Square Enix CEO dunks on the teachers who told him to stop playing games: 'They would be very surprised!' |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/new-square-enix-ceo-uses-debut-to-dunk-on-the-teachers-who-told-him-to-stop-playing-games-they-would-be-very-surprised/ |access-date=2023-06-15 |archive-date=June 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615225245/https://www.pcgamer.com/new-square-enix-ceo-uses-debut-to-dunk-on-the-teachers-who-told-him-to-stop-playing-games-they-would-be-very-surprised/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2024, Square Enix announced it would be more selective with the games it develops, resulting in numerous unannounced titles being cancelled. The company lost ¥22.1 billion (approximately $140 million) due to "content abandonment", it is now making the third installment of the ''[[Final Fantasy VII Remake]]'' its full focus after the release of ''[[Final Fantasy VII Rebirth|Rebirth]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cryer |first=Hirun |date=2024-04-30 |title=Square Enix canceled $140 million-worth of games earlier this year as it looks to be "more selective" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/square-enix-canceled-dollar140-million-worth-of-games-earlier-this-year-as-it-looks-to-be-more-selective/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=gamesradar |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430111609/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/square-enix-canceled-dollar140-million-worth-of-games-earlier-this-year-as-it-looks-to-be-more-selective/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Corporate structure== On October 1, 2008, Square Enix transformed into a [[holding company]] and was renamed Square Enix Holdings. At the same time, the development and publishing businesses were transferred to a spin-off company named Square Enix, sharing the same corporate leadership and offices with the holding company.<ref name="CorpHistory" /><ref name="company outline">{{Cite web |title=Corporate Profile |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/outline.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410051611/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/finance/financial_highlights.html |archive-date=April 10, 2016 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |publisher=Square Enix Holdings}}</ref><ref name="company outline japanese">{{Cite web |script-title=ja:会社概要 |website= square-enix.com| publisher= Square Enix |language=ja |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/j/outline/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514024624/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/j/outline/ |archive-date=May 14, 2012 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}</ref> The primary offices for Square Enix and Square Enix Holdings are in the Shinjuku Eastside Square Building in [[Shinjuku]], Tokyo.<ref name="company outline" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Map |url=http://www.square-enix.com/eng/company/access.html |website= square-enix.com| publisher= Square Enix |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307060537/http://www.square-enix.com/eng/company/access.html |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |access-date=September 3, 2013}}</ref>
Currently, focusing in different industries, the company is divided as the following: Five Creative Business Units for game development and production in Square Enix Co., Ltd; a dedicated publishing business unit for manga and books publishing; a digital storefront business division for its e-Store and merchandise production; its media and arts business unit for music production, concert and live performance coordination, and visual contents production (live action, animation, and CG for TV, movies, and games); and a blockchain business division.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=中途採用 SQUARE ENIX -RECRUITING- |url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/ |website= jp.square-enix.com | publisher= Square Enix |access-date=2024-02-24 |language=ja |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240224055130/https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/ |archive-date=February 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=出版事業本部 {{!}} 中途採用 SQUARE ENIX -RECRUITING- |url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/bu-bd/pubbu/index.html |access-date=2024-02-24 |website= jp.square-enix.com| publisher= Square Enix |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226163738/https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/bu-bd/pubbu/index.html |archive-date=February 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= デジタルビジネス事業本部 {{!}} 中途採用 SQUARE ENIX -RECRUITING- |url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/bu-bd/dbbd/index.html |access-date=2024-02-24 |website= jp.square-enix.com| publisher= Square Enix|language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302041316/https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/bu-bd/dbbd/index.html |archive-date=March 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=メディア・アーツ事業部 {{!}} 中途採用 | trans-title= Media Arts Division {{!}} Mid-Career Recruitment |url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/bu-bd/mabd/index.html |access-date=2024-02-24 |website= jp.square-enix.com| publisher= Square Enix |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119113333/https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/bu-bd/mabd/index.html |archive-date=January 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= ブロックチェーン・エンタテインメント事業部 {{!}} 中途採用 | trans-title= Blockchain Entertainment Division {{!}} Mid-Career Recruitment |url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/bu-bd/bebd/index.html |access-date=2024-02-24 |website= jp.square-enix.com| publisher= Square Enix |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228203557/https://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/bu-bd/bebd/index.html |archive-date=February 28, 2024}}</ref>
===Development organization=== After the merger in 2003, Square Enix's development department was organized into eight Square and two Enix {{nihongo|Product Development Divisions|開発事業部|kaihatsu jigyōbu}}, each focused on different groupings of games.<ref name="vjump">{{Cite magazine |date=September 20, 2003 |title= スクウェアエニックス、合併後の事業部の様子と開発中ソフト| trans-title= Square Enix: An overview of the business divisions after the merger and the software currently under development |url= http://www2u.biglobe.ne.jp/~nanko/news.cgi?id=2003092011 |magazine=[[V Jump]] |publisher=[[Shueisha Inc.]] |archive-url= https://archive.today/20031227093329/http://www2u.biglobe.ne.jp/~nanko/news.cgi?id=2003092011 |archive-date=December 27, 2003}}</ref><ref name="rpgfan">{{Cite web |last= Winkler, Chris |year=2003 |title=Square Enix Talks Current Status |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2003/1934.html |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20031009104611/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2003/1934.html |archive-date=October 9, 2003 |access-date=August 1, 2007 |website=RPGFan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2003 |title=(TGS) スクエニ第1開発事業部新規タイトル発表会、詳細レポート！ |trans-title= Detailed report on Square Enix's 1st Development Division's new title announcement event!| url= http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2003/9/26/7eebeedd61ad754327406658d0626da4.html |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100904034429/http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2003/9/26/7eebeedd61ad754327406658d0626da4.html |archive-date=September 4, 2010 |access-date= January 20, 2011 |website=Dengeki.com |publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|ASCII Media Works Inc.]] |language=ja}}</ref> The divisions were spread around different offices; for example, Product Development Division 5 had offices both in Osaka and Tokyo.<ref name="vjump" />
According to Yoichi Wada, the development department was reorganized away from the Product Development Division System by March 2007 into a project-based system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2003 |title=29 May 2003 開催スクウェア・エニックス戦略説明会概要 |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/jpn/pdf/explanatory_20030605_01.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212143825/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/jpn/pdf/explanatory_20030605_01.pdf |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 20, 2007 |title= PS3向けタイトル開発に向けた準備も万全（スクウェア・エニックス 代表取締役社長 和田洋一氏）|trans-title= We are fully prepared for the development of titles for the PS3 (Yoichi Wada, President and CEO of Square Enix) |work=[[Nihon Keizai Shimbun|Nikkei Trendy]] |url=http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/special/20070528/1000240/?P=5 |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507040451/http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/special/20070528/1000240/?P=5 |archive-date=May 7, 2013}}</ref> Until 2013, the teams in charge of the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' series were still collectively referred to as the {{nihongo|1st Production Department|第1制作部|dai-ichi seisakubu}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantayat, Anoop |date=December 4, 2011 |title=Square Enix 1st Production Dept. Developing Action RPG For PS3 and Vita |website= Andraisang.com |url= http://andriasang.com/comz6n/squenix_ps3_and_vita_arpt/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160610202700/http://andriasang.com/comz6n/squenix_ps3_and_vita_arpt/ |archive-date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=May 22, 2016}}</ref><ref name="FNCdevelopers">{{Cite web |last=4Gamer.net |date=January 18, 2011 |script-title=ja:「Final Fantasy XIII-2」が2011年発売予定，「Agito」は「Final Fantasy 零式」と名称変更して2011年夏発売。「Square Enix 1st Production Department Premiere」をTwitterで実況 |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/120/G012012/20110118006/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120204607/http://www.4gamer.net/games/120/G012012/20110118006/ |archive-date=January 20, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2011 |language=ja}}</ref><ref name="fourteen">{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole, Wesley |date=February 19, 2014 |title=Square Enix 'definitely interested' in bringing future Final Fantasy games to PC |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-19-square-enix-definitely-interested-in-bringing-future-final-fantasy-games-to-pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219125732/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-19-square-enix-definitely-interested-in-bringing-future-final-fantasy-games-to-pc |archive-date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref> The 1st Production Department was formed from the fall 2010 combination of Square Enix's Tokyo and Osaka development studios, with [[Shinji Hashimoto]] as its corporate executive.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2011 |title=「Final Fantasy XIII-2」が2011年発売予定，「Agito」は「Final Fantasy 零式」と名称変更して2011年夏発売。「Square Enix 1st Production Department Premiere」をTwitterで実況 |website= 4Gamer.net |publisher=Aetas, Inc. |language=ja |url= http://www.4gamer.net/games/120/G012012/20110118006/ |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110120204607/http://www.4gamer.net/games/120/G012012/20110118006/ |archive-date=January 20, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2011}}</ref>
In December 2013, Square Enix's development was restructured into 12 Business Divisions. In 2017, Business Division 9 was merged into Business Division 8, while Business Divisions 11 and 12 merged to become the new Business Division 9, while a new Business Division 11 was created with some staff from Business Division 6.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Is Square Enix teasing Bravely Default 3? |url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/square-enix-teasing-bravely-default-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406202750/https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/square-enix-teasing-bravely-default-3/ |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2013 |title=『ライトニング リターンズ ファイナルファンタジーXIII』開発者・宣伝担当インタビュー |trans-title= Interview with the developers and marketing team of 'Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII' |url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201312/28045984.html |website=[[Famitsu.com]] |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140622095225/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201312/28045984.html |archive-date=June 22, 2014 |access-date=June 2, 2016}}</ref><ref name="第8-12ビジネス・ディビジョン">{{Cite web |date=December 2016 |title=第8–12ビジネス・ディビジョン |url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/group/8-12bd/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220203959/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/recruit/career/group/8-12bd/ |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 14, 2016 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref>
In 2019, Square Enix announced that all of its Business Divisions would be consolidated into four Creative Business Units.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Square Enix consolidating its business divisions |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-19-square-enix-consolidating-its-business-divisions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824054319/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-19-square-enix-consolidating-its-business-divisions |archive-date=August 24, 2019 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> Creative Business Unit 1 was led by [[Yoshinori Kitase]], Creative Business Unit 2 was led by Yu Miyake, Creative Business Unit 3 was led by [[Naoki Yoshida]] and Creative Business Unit 4 was led by Kei Hirono.
In April 2024, Square Enix restructured its development operations moving away from the Creative Business Unit structure into a new Creative Studio structure where it develops, produce and oversee projects as you can see below<ref name="2024 restructure">{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/bloomberg-square-enix-plans-major-reform-of-game-development-structure |title=Square Enix plans major reform of game development structure |publisher=Gematsu |date=Feb 6, 2024}}</ref><ref name="2024 restructure 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/pdf/20250514_01_en.pdf |title=Medium-term Business Plan (FY2025/3-FY2027/3) |publisher=Square Enix |date=May 14, 2025}}</ref>
* '''Creative Studio 1''' is led by executive officer Yoshinori Kitase<ref name="Creative Studio executives">{{cite web |url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/en/officer/ |title=Square Enix executive bios |publisher=Square Enix |date=November 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124221803/https://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/en/officer/ |archive-date=2024-11-24}}</ref> and studio head [[Naoki Hamaguchi]].<ref name="CS1 Head">{{cite web |url=https://www.rpgsite.net/interview/18484-final-fantasy-vii-remake-intergrade-nintendo-switch-2-interview-naoki-hamaguchi-xbox-multiplatform-ff7-trilogy-physical-amiibo-support-coffee |title="Being able to bring the game to a much wider audience is a wonderful thing" — Naoki Hamaguchi talks FF7 Remake on Switch 2 and Xbox |publisher=RPG Site |date=September 25, 2025}}</ref> They are responsible for various projects including the ''[[Final Fantasy VII Remake]]'' and <em>[[Kingdom Hearts]]</em><ref name="KH in CS1">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAG7xY87DY8 |title=Final Fantasy XVI Xbox credits |publisher=YouTube |date=September 28, 2025}}</ref> series. * '''Creative Studio 2''' is led by executive officer and studio head Yoshinori Kitase and deputy studio heads [[Motomu Toriyama]] and Shinpei Yashima.<ref name="CS2 leads">{{cite web |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/232452/romancing-saga-2-revenge-of-the-seven/credits/switch/ |title=Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven |publisher=MobyGames |date=2024}}</ref> They are responsible for various projects including [[SaGa]] titles. * '''Creative Studio 3''' is led by executive officer and studio head Naoki Yoshida. They are responsible for various titles including [[Final Fantasy XIV|Final ''Fantasy XIV'']] and ''[[Final Fantasy XVI]]''. * '''Creative Studio 4''' is led by executive officer Yosuke Saito and studio head Takeshi Nozue. They are responsible for mainline ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' games. * '''Creative Studio 5''' is led by executive officer Yosuke Saito, studio head Tomoya Asano and deputy studio head Masashi Takahashi.<ref name="CS5 leads">{{cite web |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/230415/dragon-quest-monsters-the-dark-prince-deluxe-edition/credits/windows/?autoplatform=true |title=Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince |publisher=MobyGames |date=2024}}</ref> They are responsible for various series and projects including the ''[[Nier]]'', [[Mana (series)|''Mana'']], ''[[Bravely Default]]'', ''[[Octopath Traveler]]'' and [[Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo|''Paranormasight'']] series. They also are responsible for some ''Dragon Quest'' projects and for the game ''Killer Inn''.
===Business model=== {{See also|Localization of Square Enix video games}} The [[business model]] of post-merger Square Enix is centered on the idea of "[[wikt:polymorphic content|polymorphic content]]", which consists of developing franchises on multiple potential media rather than being restricted by a single gaming platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey, Rob |date=July 16, 2004 |title=Square Peg, European Hole |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_squareenix_july04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605031932/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_squareenix_july04 |archive-date=June 5, 2016 |access-date=May 13, 2016 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tochen|first=Dan|date=May 17, 2005|title=Square Enix sticks to its strengths|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-sticks-to-its-strengths/1100-6124957/|access-date=2021-08-29|website=[[GameSpot]]|language=en-US|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829200605/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-sticks-to-its-strengths/1100-6124957/|url-status=live}}</ref> An early example of this strategy is Enix's ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist]]'' manga series, which has been adapted into two anime television series, five movies (two animated, three live-action), and several novels and video games.<ref>''[[Fullmetal Alchemist]]'' adaptation information: * TV Series ending: {{cite news | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-06/fma-irie-confirms-animating-manga-end-in-2-months | title=FMA's Irie Confirms Animating Manga's End in 2 Months | work=[[Anime News Network]] | date=May 6, 2010 | access-date=May 7, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509094811/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-06/fma-irie-confirms-animating-manga-end-in-2-months | archive-date=May 9, 2010 | url-status=live}} * TV Series announced: {{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-20/new-fullmetal-alchemist-tv-anime-series-confirmed |title=New Fullmetal Alchemist TV Anime Series Confirmed |work=[[Anime News Network]] |date=August 20, 2008 |access-date=August 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821122420/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-20/new-fullmetal-alchemist-tv-anime-series-confirmed |archive-date=August 21, 2008 |url-status=live}} * Manga UK: {{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-09/manga-uk-adds-new-fullmetal-alchemist-sengoku-basara |title=Manga UK Adds New Fullmetal Alchemist, Sengoku Basara |work=[[Anime News Network]] |date=February 9, 2010 |access-date=February 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210211147/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-09/manga-uk-adds-new-fullmetal-alchemist-sengoku-basara |archive-date=February 10, 2010 |url-status=live}} * Japanese Box Office: {{cite news | title=Japanese Box Office | work=[[Anime News Network]] | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-07-27/japanese-box-office | date=July 27, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411100722/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-07-27/japanese-box-office | archive-date=April 11, 2009 | url-status=live}} * Brotherhood Movie: {{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-14/fullmetal-alchemist/brotherhood-film-teaser-streamed|title=Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Movie Teaser Streamed|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 14, 2010|access-date=November 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116083611/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-14/fullmetal-alchemist/brotherhood-film-teaser-streamed|archive-date=November 16, 2010|url-status=live}} * Japanese novels: {{Cite web |script-title=ja:原作/荒川 弘 著者/井上 真 |url=http://gangan.square-enix.co.jp/hagaren/novels/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305051659/http://gangan.square-enix.co.jp/hagaren/novels/ |archive-date=March 5, 2008 |access-date=April 11, 2008 |publisher=Square Enix |language=ja}} * DS: {{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/fullmetalalchemistds/news.html?sid=6120244|title=Fullmetal Alchemist DS-bound|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=September 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930175532/http://uk.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/fullmetalalchemistds/news.html?sid=6120244|archive-date=September 30, 2007}} * Video games: {{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Animation/hagaren/1st/game/index.html|title=Fullmetal Alchemist video games|language=ja|publisher=[[Sony]]|access-date=August 5, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424043131/http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Animation/hagaren/1st/game/index.html|archive-date=April 24, 2013}}</ref> Other polymorphic projects include the ''[[Compilation of Final Fantasy VII]]'', ''[[Code Age]]'', ''[[World of Mana]]'', ''[[Ivalice Alliance]]'', and ''[[Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy]]'' subseries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2007 |title=2007 Profile |url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/common/images/sqex_07profile_e.pdf#page=6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009082117/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/common/images/sqex_07profile_e.pdf#page=6 |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |access-date=May 19, 2016 |website=Square Enix}}</ref> According to [[Yoichi Wada]], "It's very difficult to hit the jackpot, as it were. Once we've hit it, we have to get all the juice possible out of it".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welsh, Oli |date=January 15, 2008 |title=Square Dance |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/square-dance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200051/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/square-dance |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=May 13, 2016 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref> Similar to Sony's [[List of Sony Greatest Hits games|Greatest Hits]] program, Square Enix also re-releases its best-selling games at a reduced price under a label designated "Ultimate Hits".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=July 1, 2005 |title=SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES ULTIMATE HITS COLLECTION |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/01/square-enix-announces-ultimate-hits-collection |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610102015/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/01/square-enix-announces-ultimate-hits-collection |archive-date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2016 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
The standard game design model Square Enix employs is to establish the plot, characters, and art of the game first.<ref name=wiiware/> Battle systems, field maps, and [[cutscenes]] are created next.<ref name=wiiware/> According to [[Taku Murata]], this process became the company's model for development after the success of Square's ''Final Fantasy VII'' in 1997.<ref name="wiiware">{{Cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=February 21, 2008 |title=How WiiWare Changed Square Enix |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2008/02/how-final-fanta/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629020331/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2008/02/how-final-fanta/ |archive-date=June 29, 2011}}</ref> The team size for ''[[Final Fantasy XIII]]'' peaked at 180 artists, 30 programmers, and 36 game designers, but analysis and restructuring were done to outsource large-scale development in the future.<ref name="peak">{{Cite web |last=Sheffield |first=Brandon |date=June 27, 2012 |title=Square Enix to avoid large-scale internal development after Final Fantasy XIII-2 |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/173093/Square_Enix_to_avoid_largescale_internal_development_after_Final_Fantasy_XIII2.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416223232/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/173093/Square_Enix_to_avoid_largescale_internal_development_after_Final_Fantasy_XIII2.php |archive-date=April 16, 2016 |access-date=May 21, 2016 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref>
==Business==
===Video games and franchises=== {{Main|List of Square Enix video games|List of Square Enix Europe games|List of Square Enix mobile games|List of Taito games|List of Square Enix video game franchises}}
Square Enix's primary concentration is on video gaming, and it is primarily known for its role-playing video game franchises.<ref name="animenewsnetworkinterview">{{Cite news |last=Bertschy, Zac |date=August 3, 2008 |title=Interview: Square Enix's National Manager of Merchandise, Kanji Tashiro |work=Anime News Network |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2008-08-03/square-enix-national-manager-of-merchandise-kanji-tashiro |url-status=live |access-date=May 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805125234/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2008-08-03/square-enix-national-manager-of-merchandise-kanji-tashiro |archive-date=August 5, 2008}}</ref> Of its properties, the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' franchise, begun in 1987, is the best-selling, with worldwide sales exceeding 173 million units as of March 2022. The ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' franchise, whose first title was introduced in 1986, is also a best-seller; it is considered one of the most popular game series in Japan and has sold over 85 million units globally. More recently, the ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' series (developed in collaboration with [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] beginning in 2002) has become popular, with 36 million units shipped as of March 2022. Other popular series developed by Square Enix include the ''[[SaGa]]'' series with nearly 10 million copies sold since 1989, the ''[[Mana (series)|Mana]]'' series with over 6 million sales since 1991, and the ''[[Chrono (series)|Chrono]]'' series with over 5 million sold since 1995.<ref name="SEFranchises">{{Cite web |title=Square Enix franchises and businesses |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/group/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629183514/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/group/ |archive-date=June 29, 2015 |access-date=September 22, 2015 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref> In addition to its sales numbers, many Square Enix games have been highly reviewed; 27 Square Enix games were included in ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine's 2006 "Top 100 Games Ever", with 7 in the top 10 and ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' claiming the number 1 position.<ref name="Famitsu">{{Cite web |last=Wollenschlaeger, Alex |date=March 6, 2006 |title=Japan Picks the Best Games Ever |url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/news/200603/020.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009175019/http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/news/200603/020.asp |archive-date=October 9, 2011 |access-date=August 1, 2007 |website=Kikizo}}</ref> The company also won [[IGN]]'s award for Best Developer of 2006 for the PlayStation 2.<ref name="IGN">{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=IGN presents Best of 2006 |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/38.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618042620/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/38.html |archive-date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=August 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
Square and Enix initially targeted Nintendo home consoles with its games, but Square Enix currently develops games for a wide variety of systems.<ref name=thelist/><ref name="target">{{Cite web |title=Corporate History – 1975 – 2002 |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/history/page2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213145200/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/history/page2.html |archive-date=February 13, 2012 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref> In the [[history of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh generation of video game consoles]], Square Enix released new installments from its major series across all three major systems, including ''[[Final Fantasy XIII]]'' on both the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] and ''[[Dragon Quest X]]'' on the [[Wii]].<ref name="XIIIpcrelease">{{Cite web |last=Shreier, Jason |date=September 18, 2014 |title=Final Fantasy XIII Is Coming To PC |url=https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-xiii-is-coming-to-pc-1636365421 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918171021/http://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-xiii-is-coming-to-pc-1636365421 |archive-date=September 18, 2014 |access-date=September 18, 2014 |website=Kotaku}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Agnello |first=Anthony John |date=April 26, 2012 |title=Dragon Quest X begins the unusual transition from Wii to Wii U in Japan this August |url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/dragon-quest-x-begins-the-unusual-transition-from-wii-to-wii-u-in-japan-this-august/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121111151/http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/dragon-quest-x-begins-the-unusual-transition-from-wii-to-wii-u-in-japan-this-august/ |archive-date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |publisher=[[Digital Trends]]}}</ref><ref name="RPGFKIR">{{Cite web |last=Gann |first=Patrick |date=December 12, 2009 |title=Sayuri Sugawara – Because You're Here |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff13-single/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230091447/http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff13-single/index.html |archive-date=December 30, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2010 |publisher=RPGFan}}</ref> Square Enix has also developed titles for [[handheld game console]]s, including the [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], and [[PlayStation Vita]].<ref name="thelist">{{Cite web |title=Square Enix Game List |url=http://www.ign.com/companies/square-enix |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905095647/http://www.ign.com/companies/square-enix |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=May 22, 2016 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Also, it has published games for [[Microsoft Windows]]-based personal computers and various models of mobile phones and modern smartphones.<ref name="annual">{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2009 |title=2015 Annual Report |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/ar_2015en.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106012438/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/ar_2015en.pdf |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=April 1, 2015 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref> Square Enix mobile phone games became available in 2004 on the [[Vodafone]] network in some European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.<ref name="vodfone">{{Cite web |last=Jenkins, David |date=July 8, 2004 |title=Square Enix Sign Euro Mobile Deal |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/square-enix-sign-euro-mobile-deal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921051527/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/94964/Square_Enix_Sign_Euro_Mobile_Deal.php |archive-date=September 21, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2016 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref>
Before its launch, Michihiro Sasaki, senior vice president of Square Enix, spoke about the [[PlayStation 3]], saying, "We don't want the PlayStation 3 to be the overwhelming loser, so we want to support them, but we don't want them to be the overwhelming winner either, so we can't support them too much."<ref name="Sasaki">{{Cite web |last=Sinclair, Brian |year=2006 |title=Square Enix wants a three-way race |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/finalfantasy13/news.html?sid=6158660 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070122221405/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/finalfantasy13/news.html?sid=6158660 |archive-date=January 22, 2007 |access-date=August 1, 2007 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Square Enix continued to reiterate its devotion to multi-platform publishing in 2007, promising more support for the North American and European gaming markets where console pluralism is generally more prevalent than in Japan.<ref name="SquareHaven">{{Cite web |last=Berti, Matt |year=2007 |title=Square Enix to devote more attention to U.S., European markets |url=http://squarehaven.com/news/2007/09/25/Square-Enix-to-devote-more-attention-to-US-European-markets/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011100351/http://squarehaven.com/news/2007/09/25/Square-Enix-to-devote-more-attention-to-US-European-markets/ |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=September 25, 2007 |website=SquareHaven}}</ref> Their interest in multi-platform development was made evident in 2008 when the previously [[PlayStation 3]]-exclusive game ''[[Final Fantasy XIII]]'' was announced for release on the [[Xbox 360]].<ref name="EGxbox">{{Cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=March 5, 2010 |title=Digital Foundry: Face-Off: Final Fantasy XIII |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-final-fantasy-xiii-face-off |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508172955/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-final-fantasy-xiii-face-off |archive-date=May 8, 2011 |access-date=March 5, 2010 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>
In 2008, Square Enix released its first game for the [[iPod]], ''[[Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes]]''.<ref name="ipod">{{Cite web |last=Bailey, Kat |date=July 7, 2008 |title=Square's First iPod Game Uses Music to Fight |url=http://www.1up.com/news/square-ipod-game-music-fight |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616202526/http://www.1up.com/news/square-ipod-game-music-fight |archive-date=June 16, 2016 |access-date=May 19, 2016 |website=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref> Square Enix made a new brand for younger children gaming that same year, known as Pure Dreams.<ref name=snoopy/> Pure Dreams' first two games, ''[[Snoopy DS: Let's Go Meet Snoopy and His Friends!]]'' and ''Pingu's Wonderful Carnival'', were released that year.<ref name="snoopy">{{Cite web |last=JC Fletcher |date=August 1, 2008 |title=Square Enix launches new label casual, family-oriented games. |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/square-enix-launches-new-label-for-nontraditional-gamers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128065135/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/square-enix-launches-new-label-for-nontraditional-gamers/ |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |publisher=joystiq}}</ref> After acquiring Eidos in 2009, Square Enix combined it with its European publishing wing to create [[Square Enix Europe]], which continues to publish Eidos franchises such as ''[[Tomb Raider]]'' (88 million sales), ''[[Deus Ex (series)|Deus Ex]]'' (4 million), ''[[Thief (series)|Thief]]'' and ''[[Legacy of Kain]]'' (3.5 million).<ref name="annual" /><ref name="DEapprox">{{Cite web |last=Burnes |first=Andrew |date=April 23, 2009 |title=Eidos & Square Enix Sales Figures Revealed |url=http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/46400/Eidos-Square-Enix-Sales-Figures-Revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427222317/http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/46400/Eidos-Square-Enix-Sales-Figures-Revealed |archive-date=April 27, 2009 |access-date=September 7, 2011 |website=Voodoo Extreme |url-status=dead |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2011 |title=Deus Ex: Human Revolution sells 2.18 million |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-04-deus-ex-human-revolution-sells-2-18-million |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923060008/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-04-deus-ex-human-revolution-sells-2-18-million |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2011 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref><ref name="press.na.square-enix.com">{{cite web |title="SQUARE ENIX REVEALS OUTRIDERS WORLDSLAYER" – Square Enix North America Press Hub |url=https://press.na.square-enix.com/SQUARE-ENIX-REVEALS-OUTRIDERS-WORLDSLAYER |website=press.na.square-enix.com |access-date=29 April 2022 |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422173548/https://press.na.square-enix.com/SQUARE-ENIX-REVEALS-OUTRIDERS-WORLDSLAYER |url-status=live}}</ref> Square Enix were served as the Japanese publisher for [[Activision Blizzard]] and [[Ubisoft]] from 2009 to 2024 (followed by the [[acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft|Microsoft acquisition]] and [[Ubisoft#Financial concerns (2023–present)|Ubisoft's partnership]] with [[Tencent]] and [[Sega Sammy Holdings]]).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey, Mike |date=January 8, 2009 |title=Square Enix To Deliver Ubisoft Games To Japan |url=https://kotaku.com/square-enix-to-deliver-ubisoft-games-to-japan-5126173 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233307/http://kotaku.com/5126173/square-enix-to-deliver-ubisoft-games-to-japan |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=May 15, 2016 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> In May 2022, Square Enix sold several assets of Square Enix Europe {{USD|300 million|long=no}} to Embracer Group, including former Eidos Interactive franchises such as ''[[Tomb Raider]],'' ''[[Deus Ex]],'' ''[[Thief (series)|Thief]],'' ''[[Legacy of Kain]]'' and more than 50 others.<ref name="SquareIGN">{{cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2 May 2022 |title=Embracer Group Enters Agreement to Acquire Eidos, Crystal Dynamics, and Square Enix Montreal for $300 Million |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/embracer-group-enters-agreement-to-acquire-eidos-crystal-dynamics-square-enix-montreal-and-more-tomb-raider-deus-ex |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503103040/https://www.ign.com/articles/embracer-group-enters-agreement-to-acquire-eidos-crystal-dynamics-square-enix-montreal-and-more-tomb-raider-deus-ex |archive-date=3 May 2022 |access-date=2 May 2022 |website=IGN}}</ref>
Square Enix owned franchises and games include: * former Square franchises, such as ''[[Seiken Densetsu|Mana]]''; * former Enix franchises, such as ''[[Star Ocean]]''; * Square Enix created franchises, such as ''[[Drakengard]]''; * Quest franchises, such as ''[[Ogre Battle|Ogre]]''; * Taito franchises, such as ''[[Space Invaders]]''; * Retained former Crystal Dynamics franchise, such as ''[[Gex (video game series)|Gex]]''; * Retained former Eidos Interactive franchise, such as ''[[Just Cause (video game series)|Just Cause]]''; * Square Enix America created games, such as ''[[Quantum Conundrum]]''; * Square Enix Europe created franchises, such as ''[[Life Is Strange]]''.
===Game technology=== In 2004, Square Enix began to work on a "common 3D format" that would allow the entire company to develop titles without being restricted to a specific platform: this led to the creation of a [[game engine]] named [[Crystal Tools]], which is compatible with the [[PlayStation 3]], the [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]-based [[Personal computer|PCs]], and to some extent the [[Wii]].<ref name="gamewatch">{{Cite web |last=Nakamura, Seiji |date=February 25, 2008 |title=スクエニ村田琢氏、「ホワイトエンジン」改め「Crystal Tools」を正式発表 「The Technology of FINAL FANTASY」、質疑応答も全文収録!! |url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080225/gdc_cry.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524182719/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080225/gdc_cry.htm |archive-date=May 24, 2017 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |publisher=Game Watch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GDC08: Square Enix unveils Crystal Tools engine |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-square-enix-unveils-crystal-tools-engine/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128151342/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-square-enix-unveils-crystal-tools-engine/ |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |website=Engadget}}</ref> It was first shown off at a tech demo shown off at E3 2005 and was later used for ''Final Fantasy XIII'' based on the demo's reception.<ref name="XIIIinfo">{{Cite web |last=Cook, Dave |date=October 3, 2012 |title=Final Fantasy anniversary interview: Toriyama speaks |url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/03/final-fantasy-anniversary-interview-toryiama-speaks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410110032/http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/03/final-fantasy-anniversary-interview-toryiama-speaks/ |archive-date=April 10, 2014 |access-date=October 3, 2012 |website=[[VG247]]}}</ref><ref name="IGNupdate">{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=November 8, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy XIII Update |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2006/11/08/final-fantasy-xiii-update-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227025201/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/744/744822p1.html |archive-date=December 27, 2007 |access-date=November 10, 2006 |website=IGN}}</ref> Crystal Tools was also used for ''Final Fantasy Versus XIII'' before its re-branding as ''[[Final Fantasy XV]]'' and its shift onto next-gen platforms.<ref name="andriasangXV">{{Cite web |last=Gantayat, Anoop |date=September 21, 2011 |title=Why is Final Fantasy Versus XIII Using the Luminous Engine? |url=http://andriasang.com/comy9x/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713055351/http://andriasang.com/comy9x/ |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |publisher=Andriasang}}</ref> Refinement of the engine continued through the development of ''Final Fantasy XIII-2'', and it underwent a major overhaul for ''[[Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII]]''.<ref name="gamespot">{{Cite web |last=Leo, Jon |date=June 14, 2011 |title=Final Fantasy XIII-2 Q&A: Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-xiii-2-qanda-yoshinori-kitase-and-motomu-toriyama/1100-6319278/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321143330/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-xiii-2-qanda-yoshinori-kitase-and-motomu-toriyama/1100-6319278/ |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref name="gamer.ne.jp">{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2013 |title=【E3 2013】2013年はいろいろな形で「FF」を盛り上げたい―「ファイナルファンタジー」シリーズを手がける北瀬佳範氏、鳥山求氏にインタビュー |url=http://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/201306130063/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719102354/http://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/201306130063 |archive-date=July 19, 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |publisher=Gamer}}</ref> Since that release, no new titles have been announced using Crystal Tools, and it is believed that the development of the engine has halted permanently.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heemsbergen, Derek |date=November 2, 2014 |title=Review – Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Lightning_Returns_Final_Fantasy_XIII/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223030551/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Lightning_Returns_Final_Fantasy_XIII/index.html |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |access-date=May 14, 2016 |publisher=RPGFan}}</ref>
[[Luminous Engine]] was originally intended for [[Eighth generation of video game consoles|eighth-generation consoles]] and unveiled at E3 2012 through a tech demo titled ''Agni's Philosophy''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chan, Leo |date=August 26, 2011 |title=Square Enix shines light on new in-house HD game engine |url=http://www.neoseeker.com/news/17247-square-enix-shines-light-on-new-in-house-hd-game-engine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502103405/https://www.neoseeker.com/news/17247-square-enix-shines-light-on-new-in-house-hd-game-engine/ |archive-date=May 2, 2020 |access-date=May 14, 2016 |publisher=Neoseeker}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2013 |title=Agni's Philosophy – FINAL FANTASY REALTIME TECH DEMO |url=http://www.agnisphilosophy.com/en/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607114757/http://www.agnisphilosophy.com/en/index.html |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2012 |title=Square Enix Releases AGNI'S PHILOSOPHY, A Real Time Tech Demo [VIDEO] |url=http://zoknowsgaming.com/2012/06/06/square-enix-releases-agnis-philosophy-real-time-tech-demo-video/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608021249/http://zoknowsgaming.com/2012/06/06/square-enix-releases-agnis-philosophy-real-time-tech-demo-video/ |archive-date=June 8, 2012 |access-date=May 15, 2016 |publisher=Zoknowsgaming}}</ref> The first major console title to be developed with Luminous Engine was ''Final Fantasy XV'';<ref name="andriasangXV" /> the engine's development was done in tandem with the game, and the game's development helped the programming team optimize the engine.<ref name="Famitsu 1281">{{Cite magazine |date=June 20, 2013 |title=今週のスクープ ファイナルファンタジーXV |magazine=[[Weekly Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |issue=1281 |pages=11ff}}</ref>
In addition, Square Enix uses commercial engines, including [[Epic Games]]' [[Unreal Engine 3]] (such as ''[[The Last Remnant]]''), [[Unreal Engine 4]] (''such as [[Dragon Quest XI]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy VII Remake]])'' and [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] (such as ''[[I Am Setsuna]]'', ''[[Lost Sphear]]'', ''[[SaGa: Scarlet Grace]]'').<ref name="Gamasutra">{{Cite web |last=Boyer, Brandon |title=Gamasutra – GDC 2008 Event Coverage |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/gdc2008/index.php?id=17560 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227085908/http://www.gamasutra.com/gdc2008/index.php?id=17560 |archive-date=February 27, 2008 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref><ref name="Forever Fantasy">{{Cite web |last=Tomer |year=2007 |title=Square Enix Acquires Unreal Engine 3 License |url=http://www.forever-fantasy.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=147&mode=&order=0&thold=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927081751/http://www.forever-fantasy.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=147&mode=&order=0&thold=0 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=January 25, 2007 |website=Forever Fantasy}}</ref>
===Online gaming=== Before the merger, Enix published its first online game ''[[Cross Gate]]'' in Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan in 2001, and Square released ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' in Japan in 2002 for the PlayStation 2 and later the personal computer.<ref name="IGNgate">{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2008 |title=Gamers Meet Square Enix for Free in Concerto Gate |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/01/gamers-meet-square-enix-for-free-in-concerto-gate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109065739/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/01/gamers-meet-square-enix-for-free-in-concerto-gate |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=August 18, 2011 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref name="shippin">{{Cite web |last=Thorsen, Tor |date=April 17, 2006 |title=Shippin' Out 4/17-4/21: Final Fantasy XI Online, Brain Age |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/shippin-out-4-17-4-21-final-fantasy-xi-online-brain-age-6147765 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106043846/http://www.gamespot.com/news/shippin-out-4-17-4-21-final-fantasy-xi-online-brain-age-6147765 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=December 20, 2006 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> With the huge success of ''Final Fantasy XI'', the game was ported to the [[Xbox 360]] two years later and was the first [[MMORPG]] on the console.<ref name=shippin/><ref name="FFXI Most Profitable FF Game">{{Cite web |title=The Most Profitable'' Final Fantasy'' of All-Time is... |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/06/24/the-most-profitable-final-fantasy-of-all-time-is |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114023400/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/06/24/the-most-profitable-final-fantasy-of-all-time-is |archive-date=January 14, 2016 |access-date=October 5, 2012 |website=IGN|date=June 24, 2012}}</ref> All versions of the game used [[PlayOnline]], a cross-platform internet gaming platform and internet service developed by Square Enix.<ref name="announce">{{Cite web |last=Gabe Wollenburg |title=Square Announces Pay-Online Play Online |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2000/071800a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202144831/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2000/071800a.html |archive-date=February 2, 2013 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |website=RPGamer}}</ref> The platform was used as the online service for many games Square Enix developed and published throughout the decade.<ref name="law">{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2005 |title='Final Fantasy XI' under attack |url=http://news.cnet.com/Final-Fantasy-XI-under-attack/2100-1043_3-5675514.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211155801/http://news.cnet.com/Final-Fantasy-XI-under-attack/2100-1043_3-5675514.html |archive-date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=March 1, 2013 |publisher=[[CNET]]}}</ref> Due to the success of its [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPG]], Square Enix began a new project called ''[[Fantasy Earth: ZERO|Fantasy Earth: The Ring of Dominion]]''.<ref name="ring">{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2004 |title=Square Enix developing new MMORPG |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-developing-new-mmorpg/1100-6107531/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525221431/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-developing-new-mmorpg/1100-6107531/ |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2016 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> GamePot, a Japanese game portal, received the license to publish ''Fantasy Earth'' in Japan, and it was released in Japan as "Fantasy Earth ZERO".<ref name="gamepots">{{Cite web |last=Lefebvre, Eliot |date=January 14, 2010 |title=Gamepot Partners with Square-Enix for Fantasy Earth Zero |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/gamepot-partners-with-square-enix-for-fantasy-earth-zero/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609214446/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/gamepot-partners-with-square-enix-for-fantasy-earth-zero/ |archive-date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=May 21, 2016 |website=[[Engadget]]}}</ref> In 2006, however, Square Enix dropped the ''Fantasy Earth Zero'' project and sold it to GamePot.<ref name="gamepots" /> Square Enix released ''[[Concerto Gate]]'', the sequel to ''Cross Gate'', in 2007.<ref name="ocean">{{Cite web |last=Spencer |date=January 24, 2007 |title=Introducing Square-Enix's new online game: Concerto Gate |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2007/01/24/introducing-square-enixs-new-online-game-concerto-gate/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525221431/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-developing-new-mmorpg/1100-6107531/ |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=March 28, 2013 |publisher=Siliconera}}</ref>
A next-gen MMORPG code named ''Rapture'' was developed by the ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' team using the company's [[Crystal Tools]] engine.<ref name="gameinformer">{{Cite magazine |last=Juba, Joe |date=March 10, 2010 |title=The Making of Final Fantasy XIII |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/03/10/the-making-of-final-fantasy-xiii.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224045329/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/03/10/the-making-of-final-fantasy-xiii.aspx |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2013}}</ref> It was unveiled at [[E3 2009]] as ''[[Final Fantasy XIV (2010 video game)|Final Fantasy XIV]]'' for PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows and would be released on September 30, 2010.<ref name="GamaXbox">{{Cite web |last=Tong, Sophia |date=June 3, 2009 |title=Square Enix 'considering' FFXIV Online for 'Microsoft hardware' |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/square-enix-considering-ffxiv-online-for-microsoft-hardware-6210518 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002234318/http://www.gamespot.com/news/square-enix-considering-ffxiv-online-for-microsoft-hardware-6210518 |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |access-date=March 1, 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> ''[[Dragon Quest X: Mezameshi Itsutsu no Shuzoku Online|Dragon Quest X]]'' was announced in September 2011 as an MMORPG being developed for [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]] and [[Wii U]] consoles, which released on August 2, 2012, and March 30, 2013, respectively.<ref name="EDGE Online DQX Wii U">{{Cite web |last=Brown, Nathan |title=Square Enix to launch Dragon Quest X for Wii U |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/dragon-quest-x-confirmed-wii-u |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527150732/http://www.edge-online.com/news/dragon-quest-x-confirmed-wii-u |archive-date=May 27, 2012 |access-date=September 5, 2011 |publisher=EDGE Online}}</ref> Like ''XIV'', it used Crystal Tools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ould Braham, Idir Alexander |date=July 14, 2012 |title=Notre interview vidéo exclusive de Julien Merceron |url=http://www.ffdream.com/news-13855.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214023934/http://ffdream.com/news-13855.html |archive-date=December 14, 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |publisher=FFDream.com}}</ref>
Square Enix also made browser games and Facebook games, like ''Legend World'', ''[[Chocobo (series)|Chocobo's Crystal Tower]]'' and ''Knights of the Crystals'', and online games for [[Yahoo! Japan]], such as ''Monster x Dragon'', ''Sengoku Ixa'', ''Bravely Default: Praying Brage'', ''Star Galaxy'', and ''Crystal Conquest''.<ref name="CCTall">{{Cite web |title=Chocobo's Crystal Tower |url=http://pc.ign.com/objects/101/101561.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817173835/http://pc.ign.com/objects/101/101561.html |archive-date=August 17, 2011 |access-date=August 4, 2011 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref name="KOTCall">{{Cite web |title=Knights of the Crystals |url=http://www.gamespot.com/webonly/rpg/knightsofthecrystals/tech_info.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817173952/http://www.gamespot.com/webonly/rpg/knightsofthecrystals/tech_info.html |archive-date=August 17, 2011 |access-date=August 4, 2011 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft, Brian |date=October 6, 2011 |title=It's Square Enix x Yahoo! Monster x Dragon |url=https://kotaku.com/its-square-enix-x-yahoo-monster-x-dragon-5847222 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603022824/http://kotaku.com/5847222/its-square-enix-x-yahoo-monster-x-dragon |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |access-date=May 13, 2016 |website=Kotaku}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spencer |date=March 30, 2012 |title=Crystal Conquest Is A Massively Multiplayer Strategy Game… With Summon Monsters |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/30/crystal-conquest-is-a-massively-multiplayer-strategy-game-with-summon-monsters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513233145/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/30/crystal-conquest-is-a-massively-multiplayer-strategy-game-with-summon-monsters/ |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |access-date=May 14, 2016 |website=Siliconera}}</ref>
=== Cloud gaming === In 2013, ''[[Dragon Quest X]]'' was brought to iOS and Android in Japan using [[NTT DoCoMo]] as the release platform and Ubitus for the streaming technology.<ref>{{Cite web|last=North|first=Dale|date=2013-09-30|title=Dragon Quest X is coming to iOS and Android|url=https://www.destructoid.com/dragon-quest-x-is-coming-to-ios-and-android/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Destructoid|language=en-CA|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006175901/https://www.destructoid.com/dragon-quest-x-is-coming-to-ios-and-android/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, it was also brought to 3DS in Japan using Ubitus.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pereira|first=Chris|date=2014-07-08|title=Dragon Quest X Uses Streaming Tech to Come to 3DS in Japan|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-quest-x-uses-streaming-tech-to-come-to-3ds-/1100-6420972/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-date=July 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709230859/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-quest-x-uses-streaming-tech-to-come-to-3ds-/1100-6420972/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On May 8, 2012, Square Enix announced a collaboration with [[Bigpoint Games]] to create a free-to-play [[Cloud gaming]] platform that "throws players into 'limitless game worlds' directly through their web browser".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose, Mike |date=May 8, 2012 |title=Square Enix, Bigpoint partner for player-powered Gameglobe |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/square-enix-bigpoint-partner-for-player-powered-i-gameglobe-i- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205848/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/169863/Square_Enix_Bigpoint_partner_for_playerpowered_Gameglobe.php |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=May 15, 2016 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref> The service was launched under the name ''CoreOnline'' in August 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee, Dave |date=August 29, 2012 |title=Square Enix's CoreOnline makes console games 'free' online |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19409211 |url-status=live |access-date=May 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310150122/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19409211 |archive-date=March 10, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=August 29, 2012 |title=Goodbye, OnLive. Hello, Square Enix. Core Online service brings high-def games to browsers |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/08/29/square-enixs-core-online-service-lets-you-play-high-definition-games-in-your-browser/ |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=VentureBeat |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810223703/https://venturebeat.com/2012/08/29/square-enixs-core-online-service-lets-you-play-high-definition-games-in-your-browser/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Stating "limited commercial take-up", the service was cancelled on November 29, 2013.<ref name="closed2013">{{Cite web |last=Handrahan, Matthew |date=January 17, 2014 |title=Square Enix shutters CoreOnline |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-01-17-square-enix-shutters-coreonline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921070205/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-01-17-square-enix-shutters-coreonline |archive-date=September 21, 2016 |access-date=May 19, 2016 |publisher=Gamesindustry.biz}}</ref>
In September 2014, a cloud gaming company called Shinra Technologies (previously Project Flare<ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=September 19, 2014 |title=Final Fantasy creator Square Enix unveils Shinra Technologies to make 'revolutionary' cloud game tech |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/09/18/final-fantasy-creator-square-enix-creates-shinra-technologies-to-develop-revolutionary-cloud-gaming-technology/ |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=VentureBeat |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111191721/http://venturebeat.com/2014/09/18/final-fantasy-creator-square-enix-creates-shinra-technologies-to-develop-revolutionary-cloud-gaming-technology/ |url-status=live}}</ref>) was created; however, it was closed in January 2016.<ref name="Shinra" /><ref name="Shinra2" /> On October 9, 2014, Square Enix launched another online game service in Japan called ''Dive In'', which allowed players to stream console games to their [[iOS]] or [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisenbeis, Richard |date=September 19, 2014 |title=Hands On with Square Enix's New Streaming Service |url=https://kotaku.com/hands-on-with-square-enixs-new-streaming-service-1636704722 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602122201/http://kotaku.com/hands-on-with-square-enixs-new-streaming-service-1636704722 |archive-date=June 2, 2016 |access-date=May 11, 2016 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> The service was monetized by the amount of time the players spent playing, with each game offered for free for thirty minutes.<ref name="diveout">{{Cite news |last=Alvarez, Edgar |date=August 14, 2015 |title=Square Enix is killing its game-streaming service in Japan |work=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/14/square-enix-dive-in-dead/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602211106/http://www.engadget.com/2015/08/14/square-enix-dive-in-dead/ |archive-date=June 2, 2016}}</ref> The service was cancelled on September 13, 2015.<ref name=diveout/> Some Square Enix games are available in Japan on the G-cluster streaming service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 24, 2013 |title=Final Fantasy VII Streaming On Cloud Gaming Services In Japan |url=https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-vii-streaming-cloud-gaming-services-japan/ |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=Siliconera |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924205228/https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-vii-streaming-cloud-gaming-services-japan/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SQUARE ENIX in G-cluster App |url=https://gcluster.jp/app/sqex/index.html |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=gcluster.jp |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926114513/https://gcluster.jp/app/sqex/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Arcade facilities === With the merger of [[Taito]] businesses into Square Enix, the company gained possession of Taito's arcade infrastructure and facilities and entered the arcade market in 2005.<ref name="taitoarcade">{{Cite web |last=Jenkins, David |date=December 12, 2005 |title=Square Enix To Complete Taito Takeover |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/square-enix-to-complete-taito-takeover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921050404/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/98431/Square_Enix_To_Complete_Taito_Takeover.php |archive-date=September 21, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2016 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref> In 2010 Taito revealed [[NESiCAxLive]], a cloud-based system of storing games and changing them through the internet instead of acquiring physical copies.<ref name="gamasutra">{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2010 |title=Taito Announces Digital Download System For Arcades |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/taito-announces-digital-download-system-for-arcades |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811163109/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/121139/Taito_Announces_Digital_Download_System_For_Arcades.php |archive-date=August 11, 2014 |access-date=July 28, 2014 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref> This system was added to its many arcade gaming locations.<ref name=gamasutra/> The company continues to cater to the arcade audience in Japan with arcade-only titles, with game producers in 2015 stating that Square Enix has a loyal fan base that values the arcade gaming experience.<ref name="arcade">{{Cite news |last=Sato |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Square Enix Developers On Why They Make Arcade Games |publisher=Siliconera |url= http://www.siliconera.com/2015/05/07/square-enix-developers-on-why-they-make-arcade-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160513065749/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/05/07/square-enix-developers-on-why-they-make-arcade-games/ |archive-date=May 13, 2016}}</ref> In November 2019, Square Enix announced a "Ninja Tower Tokyo" theme park by its newly established ''Live Interactive Works'' division.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=December 5, 2019 |title=Square Enix Announces Ninja Theme Park, Reveals New Innovative Digital Attractions |url=https://kotaku.com/square-enix-announces-ninja-theme-park-reveals-new-inn-1840230783 |website=[[Kotaku]] |language=en-us |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210501134253/https://kotaku.com/square-enix-announces-ninja-theme-park-reveals-new-inn-1840230783 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= November 28, 2019 |title=「ゲームのような世界を現実に」をコンセプトとするスクウェア・エニックス・LIVE INTERACTIVE WORKS，第5回テーマパークEXPOに出展へ |url= https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20191128134/ |website= 4gamer.net |language=ja |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210501134252/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20191128134/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Film=== The company has made three forays into the film industry. The first, ''[[Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within]]'' (2001), was produced by Square subsidiary [[Square Pictures]] before the Enix merger; Square Pictures is now a consolidated subsidiary of Square Enix.<ref name="reports2007">{{Cite web |title=Annual Report 2007 |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/data/ar/download/20070831en.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325013141/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/data/ar/download/20070831en.pdf |archive-date=March 25, 2009 |access-date=May 11, 2016 |publisher=Square Enix |page=31}}</ref> Its box-office failure caused Enix to delay the merger, which was already under consideration before the creation of the film until Square became profitable once again.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Andrew |title=Square-Enix Gives Chrono Break Trademark Some Playmates |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2003/042503e.html |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141113044027/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2003/042503e.html |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |publisher=RPGamer}}</ref> In 2005, Square Enix released ''[[Final Fantasy VII Advent Children]]'', a [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]]-animation film based on the [[PlayStation]] game ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'', set two years after the events of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Review |url=http://m.ign.com/articles/2006/04/18/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418232304/http://m.ign.com/articles/2006/04/18/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children |archive-date= April 18, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2016 |website=IGN}}</ref> A ''[[Deus Ex (video game)|Deus Ex]]'' film was in pre-production in 2012 and, as of 2014, was undergoing rewrites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tilly, Chris |date=July 10, 2012 |title=Deus Ex Movie in the Works |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/07/10/deus-ex-movie-in-the-works |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713003340/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/10/deus-ex-movie-in-the-works |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |access-date= September 21, 2012 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Farokhmanesh, Megan |date=March 21, 2014 |title=Deus Ex film 'still alive,' undergoing rewrites |url= http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/21/5637306/deus-ex-film-still-alive-rewrites |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160530133202/http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/21/5637306/deus-ex-film-still-alive-rewrites |archive-date=May 30, 2016 |access-date=May 13, 2016 |website= [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> In 2016 Square Enix revealed a film ''[[Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV]]'' based in the world of ''[[Final Fantasy XV]]'' and ''[[Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV]]'', a new web series released on YouTube and [[Crunchyroll]].<ref name="SilKingsglaiveA">{{Cite web |last=Sato |date= March 30, 2016 |title=Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV Revealed As An Advent Children-Style CGI Film |publisher=Siliconera |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/30/kingsglaive-final-fantasy-xv-revealed-advent-children-style-cgi-film/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160331145520/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/30/kingsglaive-final-fantasy-xv-revealed-advent-children-style-cgi-film/ |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>
===Publishing=== {{main|List of Gangan Comics manga franchises|List of Square Enix companion books}}
The company has a [[manga]] publishing division in Japan (originally from Enix) called [[Gangan Comics]], which publishes content for the Japanese market only.<ref name=reports2007/> In 2010, however, Square Enix launched a digital manga store for North American audiences via its Members services, which contains several notable series published in Gangan anthologies.<ref name="anthology">{{Cite web |title=Square Enix to Launch Digital Manga Store in North America and France |url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2010-07-21/square-enix-to-launch-digital-manga-store-in-north-america-and-france |website=Anime News Network |access-date=January 19, 2021 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125014401/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2010-07-21/square-enix-to-launch-digital-manga-store-in-north-america-and-france |url-status=live}}</ref> Titles published by Gangan Comics include ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist]]'', ''[[Soul Eater (manga)|Soul Eater]]'', and many others.<ref name=anthology/> Other titles include manga adaptations of various Square Enix games, like ''[[Dragon Quest (manga)|Dragon Quest]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts#Printed adaptations|Kingdom Hearts]]'', and ''[[Star Ocean]]''.<ref name="Jump72">{{Cite book |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |year=1989 |volume=45 |location=Japan |page=72 |language=ja |script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ |trans-title=Weekly Shōnen Jump}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=USA Today Best-Selling Books Database – Top 150 best sellers |work=[[USA Today]] |url=http://content.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=90&date=10/20/2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405200008/http://books.usatoday.com/list/index?sortBy=&lastValue=90&date=10%2F20%2F2005 |archive-date=April 5, 2012}}</ref><ref name="AnimeEncyc">{{Cite book |last1=Clements |first1=Jonathan |title=The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese animation since 1917 |last2=Helen McCarthy |date=September 1, 2001 |publisher=Stone Bridge Press |isbn=1-880656-64-7 |location=Berkeley, California |page=375 |oclc=47255331 |author-link=Jonathan Clements |author-link2=Helen McCarthy}}</ref> Some of these titles have also been adapted into [[anime]] series.<ref name="Ashcraft, Brian">{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft, Brian |date=April 1, 2011 |title=Manga From Square Enix Coming To TV And Film |url=https://kotaku.com/manga-from-square-enix-coming-to-tv-and-film-5787935 |website= Kotaku.com |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160604200849/http://kotaku.com/5787935/manga-from-square-enix-coming-to-tv-and-film |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |access-date=May 19, 2016}}</ref> ''Fullmetal Alchemist'' is the most successful title of Square Enix's manga branch, with more than 64 million volumes sold worldwide.<ref name="alchemist">{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2015 |title=Businesses |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/group/index.html#comic1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922134825/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/group/index.html#comic1 |archive-date=September 22, 2014 |access-date=November 26, 2015 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref> It is licensed in North America by [[Viz Media]], while its two anime adaptations were licensed by [[Funimation]] (now known as [[Crunchyroll]]) in North America.<ref name="Viz 1">{{Cite web |title=Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 1 |url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/fullmetal-alchemist-volume-1/5102 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314021944/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/fullmetal-alchemist-volume-1/5102 |archive-date=March 14, 2016 |access-date=September 5, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 1: The Curse (Episodes 1–4) (2004) |website=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006H325C/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916164924/http://www.amazon.com/Fullmetal-Alchemist-Curse-Episodes-1-4/dp/B0006H325C |archive-date=September 16, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2008}}</ref> Starting in Q4 2019, Square Enix began publishing some of its manga series in English.<ref>{{cite web|title=Square Enix Launches English Manga Imprint in Fall 2019|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-05-17/square-enix-launches-english-manga-imprint-in-fall-2019/.146835|website=[[Anime News Network]]|last=Sherman|first=Jennifer|date=May 17, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2022|archive-date=April 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420044030/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-05-17/square-enix-launches-english-manga-imprint-in-fall-2019/.146835|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Merchandise=== Square Enix has created merchandise for virtually all of its video game franchises. Starting in 2000, Square Enix's former online gaming portal [[PlayOnline]] sold merchandise from game franchises including ''[[Parasite Eve (video game)|Parasite Eve]]'', ''[[Vagrant Story]]'', ''[[Chocobo Racing]]'', ''[[Front Mission]]'', ''[[Chrono Cross]]'', and ''[[Final Fantasy]]''.<ref name="merch">{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2000 |title=PlayOnline Displays Cool Square Stuff |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/19/playonline-displays-cool-square-stuff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006154827/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/19/playonline-displays-cool-square-stuff |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=March 4, 2013 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> [[Mascot]]s from game franchises are a popular focus for merchandise, such as the [[Chocobo]] from ''Final Fantasy'', which has been seen as a [[rubber duck]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael McWhertor |date=January 22, 2008 |title=Final Fantasy's Chocobo Goes Rubbery, Ducky |url=http://kotaku.com/347724/final-fantasys-chocobo-goes-rubbery-ducky |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123223320/http://kotaku.com/347724/final-fantasys-chocobo-goes-rubbery-ducky |archive-date=January 23, 2008 |access-date=April 1, 2008 |website=Kotaku}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS |date=April 24, 2008 |title=NY Comic Con Event Diary: Day 2 |url=http://na.square-enix.com/news?no_redir=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630090100/http://na.square-enix.com/news?no_redir=1 |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2008 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref> a plush baby Chocobo,<ref>"''PlayStation: The Official Magazine'' Holiday Gift Guide '08," ''PlayStation: The Official Magazine'' 13 (Holiday 2008): 37.</ref> and on coffee [[mug]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=May 16, 2007 |title=Chocobo Coffee Mugs |url=http://kotaku.com/261023/chocobo-coffee-mugs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426055716/http://kotaku.com/261023/chocobo-coffee-mugs |archive-date=April 26, 2009 |access-date=February 17, 2009 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> Square Enix also designed a Chocobo [[mascot|character costume]] for the release of ''[[Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales|Chocobo Tales]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=December 14, 2006 |title=Chocobos in the Wild |url=http://kotaku.com/221766/chocobos-in-the-wild |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012084423/http://kotaku.com/221766/chocobos-in-the-wild |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |access-date=February 18, 2009 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> The [[Slime (Dragon Quest)|Slime]] character from ''Dragon Quest'' has also been frequently used in Square Enix merchandise, especially in Japan.<ref name="grinding">{{Cite web |last=Henry Gilbert |date=July 11, 2010 |title=Everything you need to know about Dragon Quest |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dragon-quest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013235638/http://www.gamesradar.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dragon-quest/ |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |access-date=March 1, 2013 |website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref> On the Japanese language Square Enix shopping website, there is also a Slime-focused section called "Smile Slime".<ref name=crystal/> Slime merchandise includes [[plush]] toys, [[game controller]]s, figurines, and several board games, including one titled ''Dragon Quest Slime Racing''.<ref name="crystal">{{Cite web |last=Mike Schramm |date=June 19, 2011 |title=Dragon Quest 25th anniversary merch features plushie slimes, business card cases |url=http://m.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/dragon-quest-25th-anniversary-merch-features-plushie-slimes-bus/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308095042/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/19/dragon-quest-25th-anniversary-merch-features-plushie-slimes-bus/ |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |access-date=April 8, 2012 |website=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref><ref name="dragon">{{Cite web |last=Joshua Fruhlinger |date=October 28, 2004 |title=Dragon Quest Slime PS2 controller from Hori |url=https://www.engadget.com/2004/10/28/dragon-quest-slime-ps2-controller-from-hori/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205064429/http://www.engadget.com/2004/10/28/dragon-quest-slime-ps2-controller-from-hori/ |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref><ref name="boardgame">{{Cite web |last=Candace Savino |date=November 26, 2007 |title=Dragon Quest board game out in Japan, looks like good times |url=http://m.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/dragon-quest-board-game-out-in-japan-looks-like-good-times/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525222225/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/26/dragon-quest-board-game-out-in-japan-looks-like-good-times/ |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |website=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref><ref name="venture">{{Cite web |last=Jasmine Maleficent Rea |date=July 29, 2012 |title=Dragon Quest slime racing is now a board game |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/07/29/which-dragon-quest-slime-is-the-fastest-it-doesnt-matter-theyre-all-precious/ |website=Games Beat |publisher=[[Venture Beat]] |access-date=September 15, 2017 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414085636/https://venturebeat.com/community/2012/07/29/which-dragon-quest-slime-is-the-fastest-it-doesnt-matter-theyre-all-precious/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, pork-filled steam buns shaped like slimes have been sold in 2010.<ref name="buns">{{Cite magazine |last=Chris Kohler |date=April 27, 2010 |title=Eating Slime Buns at Tokyo's Dragon QuestBar |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/04/dragon-quest-bar/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324165813/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/04/dragon-quest-bar |archive-date=March 24, 2014 |access-date=March 1, 2013 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]}}</ref> For ''Dragon Quest's'' 25th anniversary, special items were sold, including [[business cards]], tote bags, and crystal figurines.<ref name=crystal/> Rabites from the [[Mana (series)|''Mana'' series]] have appeared in several pieces of Square Enix merchandise, including plush dolls, cushions, lighters, mousepads, straps, telephone cards, and T-shirts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Legend of Mana Products |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/seiken4/products.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908024538/http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/seiken4/products.html |archive-date=September 8, 2012 |access-date=June 13, 2007 |publisher=RPGFan}}</ref> Square Enix has also made merchandise for third party series, including figures ''[[Mass Effect]]'' and ''[[Halo (series)|Halo]]'' in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft, Brian |date=September 22, 2012 |title=From Mass Effect to Metal Gear, This is a Symphony in Plastic |url=http://kotaku.com/5945485/from-mass-effect-to-metal-gear-this-is-a-symphony-in-plastic/gallery/1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128071919/http://kotaku.com/5945485/from-mass-effect-to-metal-gear-this-is-a-symphony-in-plastic/gallery/1 |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> Beginning in 2012, it operates shops called "Square Enix Cafe" in Tokyo, Osaka and Shanghai, which display and sell merchandise, as well as serve café food.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ashcraft |first1=Brian |title=A Look Inside The Brand New Square Enix Cafe |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/12/a-look-inside-the-brand-new-square-enix-cafe/ |website=Kotaku Australia |language=en-AU |date=2012-12-20 |access-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201731/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/12/a-look-inside-the-brand-new-square-enix-cafe/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Square Enix Cafe Osaka Will Have A Grand Opening Event On October 13 With Kingdom Hearts Art |url=https://www.siliconera.com/square-enix-cafe-osaka-will-have-a-grand-opening-event-on-october-13-with-kingdom-hearts-art/ |website=Siliconera |date=2017-10-04 |access-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202711/https://www.siliconera.com/square-enix-cafe-osaka-will-have-a-grand-opening-event-on-october-13-with-kingdom-hearts-art/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Square Enix Cafe Expands To Shanghai, China |url=https://www.siliconera.com/square-enix-cafe-expands-shanghai-china/ |website=Siliconera |date=2017-10-31 |access-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201950/https://www.siliconera.com/square-enix-cafe-expands-shanghai-china/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Subsidiaries== {|style="width:100%;" class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- !scope="col" style="width:30%;"|Name !scope="col" style="width:8%;" |Became subsidiary !scope="col" style="width:20%;"|Location !scope="col" style="width:28%;"|Purpose !scope="col" style="width:4%;" |{{Reference column heading}} |- ! colspan="5" |Domestic |- ! scope="row" |[[Gangan Comics]] |March 12, 1991 |rowspan="2" |[[Shinjuku]], Tokyo, Japan |[[Manga]] and Magazine imprint in its publishing business. |<ref name="Square Enix Magazine">{{Cite web |title=Square Enix Comic Magazines |url=https://www.square-enix.com/jp/magazine/#01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509154519/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/magazine/#01 |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=January 31, 2008 |language=ja}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |- ! scope="row" |[[Taito|Taito Corporation]] |{{nowrap|September 28, 2005}} |Square Enix Holdings arcade gaming subsidiary, ''[[Space Invaders]]'' series, ''[[Bubble Bobble]]'' series, ''[[Groove Coaster]]'' series. |<ref name="Taito Acquisition">{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2005 |title=Notice on Results of Square Enix's Tender Offer and Change in Consolidated Subsidiary |url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/en/news/2005/download/release_050926en.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114321/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/en/news/2005/download/release_050926en.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=June 27, 2017 |publisher=Square Enix Co., Ltd.}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |- !scope="row"|Square Enix Co., Ltd. |October 1, 2008 |[[Shinjuku]], Tokyo, Japan<br />[[Osaka]], Japan |Game development and publishing company, ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series, ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series, ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' series. Also referred to as Square Enix Japan. |<ref name="CorpHistory" /><ref name="company outline japanese" /><ref name="SEE-jobs" /> {{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |- ! scope="row" |Square Enix Business Support, Co., Ltd. |April 1, 2010 | rowspan="3" |[[Shinjuku]], Tokyo, Japan |Operational support of group company businesses including office services, information-processing and development of arcade game machines |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Group Companies｜About Square Enix Group｜Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/group.html |website= hd.square-enix.com |access-date=April 16, 2021 |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725212939/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/group.html |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |- ! scope="row" |Square Enix AI & Arts Alchemy Co., Ltd. |March 2, 2020 |R&D/business involving products that combine AI, computer graphics, and art. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=SQUARE ENIX AI & ARTS Alchemy Co., Ltd. |url=https://squareenix-alchemy.com/ |website=SQUARE ENIX AI & ARTS Alchemy Co., Ltd. |access-date=April 24, 2021 |archive-date=April 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424170224/https://www.squareenix-alchemy.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |- ! scope="row" |[[Square Enix Image Studio Division]] |April 1, 2021 |[[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] animation company focused on cutscenes and movie production |<ref name="Hist of FF7">{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Rus |date=April 30, 2008 |title=IGN Presents: The History of Final Fantasy VII |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/01/ign-presents-the-history-of-final-fantasy-vii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109184924/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/01/ign-presents-the-history-of-final-fantasy-vii |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2008 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> |-
! colspan="5" |International |- ! scope="row" |Square Enix, Inc. (originally Square Soft Inc.) |March 1989 |[[El Segundo, California|El Segundo]], California, United States |American publishing and Japanese Intellectual Property localization. Founded as [[Square (video game company)#Subsidiaries|Square Soft, Inc.]] and merged in 2003 with sister subsidiaries Square USA and Electronic Arts Square to become Square Enix USA, renamed Square Enix Inc the following year. Also referred to as Square Enix America. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Square Enix Inc – Company Profile and News – Bloomberg Markets |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0177810D:US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907110204/https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=6843095 |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref><ref name="SEEformed" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Golze|first=Benjamin|date=July 1, 2004|title=Square Enix reorganizes US subsidiary|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-reorganizes-us-subsidiary/1100-6101762/|access-date=2021-07-11|website=[[GameSpot]]|language=en-US|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711172439/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-reorganizes-us-subsidiary/1100-6101762/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SEE-jobs">{{Cite web |title=Square Enix {{!}} Jobs & Career Opportunities |url=https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/careers |access-date=March 15, 2021 |website=square-enix-games.com |language=en |archive-date=March 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310050842/https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/careers |url-status=live}}</ref> |-
! scope="row" |Square Enix Ltd. (originally Square Europe Ltd.) |December 1998 |[[Blackfriars, London|Blackfriars]], London, United Kingdom |European publishing. Contains divisions Square Enix External Studios and [[Square Enix Collective]], and offices in Paris, France and Hamburg, Germany. Founded as Square Europe Ltd. and absorbed Eidos Interactive in 2009. Also referred to as Square Enix Europe. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=SQUARE ENIX (2009) LIMITED – Overview (free company information from Companies House) |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/03679704 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902012240/https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/03679704 |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |publisher=Companies House, Government of the United Kingdom}}</ref><ref name="SEEformed">{{Cite web |year=2004 |title=Square Enix Annual Report for 2004 |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/ar_20040806_01.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907193612/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/ar_20040806_01.pdf |archive-date=September 7, 2017 |access-date=September 1, 2018 |publisher=Square Enix |page=67}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
! scope="row" |Square Enix (China) Co., Ltd. |February 28, 2005 |[[Haidian District]], Beijing, China |Chinese publishing. The successor to Square Enix Webstar Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |<ref name="China">{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2005 |title=Square Enix enhanced a presence in the Chinese online and mobile game market with a 100% Square Enix subsidiary based in Beijing. |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/news/2005/download/0302-200502281500-01.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060506032627/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/news/2005/download/0302-200502281500-01.pdf |archive-date=May 6, 2006 |access-date=July 27, 2008 |publisher=Square Enix staff}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
! scope="row" |Huang Long Co., Ltd. |{{nowrap|August 2005}} |China |Sale and management of online games in Asia-Pacific. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Square Enix 2022 Annual Report |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/pdf/ar_2022en.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028140149/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/pdf/ar_2022en.pdf |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |access-date=October 29, 2022 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
!scope="row"|Square Enix Pvt. Ltd. (originally Square Enix India Pvt. Ltd.) |2019 |[[Bangalore]], Karnataka, India |Mobile games publishing subsidiary for the Indian market. Also referred to as Square Enix India. |<ref name=SEIndia /><ref name=IndiaMobile /> |}
===Former subsidiaries===
{| style="width:100%;" class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- !scope="col" style="width:30%;"|Name !scope="col" style="width:8%;" |Became subsidiary !scope="col" style="width:10%;"|Closed or sold !scope="col" style="width:20%;"|Location !scope="col" style="width:28%;"|Purpose/Fate !scope="col" style="width:4%;" |{{Reference column heading}} |- !scope="row"|Enix America Corporation Inc. |1990 |November 1995 |[[Redmond, Washington]], United States |Enix's first American subsidiary. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gamasutra – Selecting Save on the Games We Make, Part 1 |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/135112/selecting_save_on_the_games_we_.php?print=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095515/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/135112/selecting_save_on_the_games_we_.php?print=1 |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |access-date=September 6, 2018 |website=gamasutra.com|date = February 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1996 |title=Enix on a Quest |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]] |issue=80 |page=58 |series=Epic Center}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"| Square USA, Inc (previously Square L.A., Inc.) |August 1995 |April 1, 2003 |[[Costa Mesa, California]], United States |Square Co. Ltd's American research and development studio. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=History – Corporate Information – Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/company/history3.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301061430/http://www.square-enix.com/eng/company/history3.html |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |access-date=September 3, 2017 |website=Hd.square-enix.com}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
!scope="row"|[[DigiCube]] |February 6, 1996 |November 26, 2003 |Tokyo, Japan |Square Co. Ltd. marketing and distribution subsidiary in Japan. |<ref name="DigiCube">{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2004 |title=Square Enix Holds Strong |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/02/03/square-enix-holds-strong |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413155147/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/02/03/square-enix-holds-strong |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |access-date=April 12, 2014 |website=IGN}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|[[Square (video game company)#Subsidiaries|Square Electronic Arts LLC]] |April 27, 1998 |April 1, 2003 |Costa Mesa, California, United States |A 70/30 joint venture with [[Electronic Arts]] for North American publication of Square's titles. It was folded into Square Enix's US operations after Square purchased EA's stake in the venture. |<ref name="Square EA">{{Cite web |title=Square Electronic Arts |url=http://uk.ign.com/companies/square-electronic-arts-us |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702192428/http://www.ign.com/companies/square-electronic-arts-us |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |access-date=November 13, 2016 |publisher=IGN U.K.}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|[[Square (video game company)#Subsidiaries|Electronic Arts Square Co., Ltd.]] |May 1, 1998 |April 1, 2003 |Japan |A similar 30/70 joint-venture with Electronic Arts for Japanese publication of EA's titles. After the Square Enix merger, EA purchased Square's stake in the business and renamed it Electronic Arts Co., Ltd. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=米Electronic Arts、スクウェアと合弁事業解消。エレクトロニック・アーツスクウェアからエレクトロニック・アーツへ |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20030219/ea.htm |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=game.watch.impress.co.jp}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Visual Works]] (previously Square Visual Works) |June 1999 |April 1, 2021 |Tokyo, Japan |[[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] animation company focused on cutscenes and movie production. Merged with Image Arts Division to form [[Square Enix Image Studio Division]] |<ref name="Hist of FF7"/> |- !scope="row"|[[Taito Soft Corporation]] (previously The Game Designers Studio) |June 22, 1999 |March 11, 2010 |Hirakawa-cho, 2-chome, [[Chiyoda-ku]], Tokyo, Japan |Square Enix Co., Ltd. game development brand. |<ref name="Taito and SQEX merger">{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2005 |title=Square Enix To Make Taito A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary |url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/en/news/2005/download/release_20051216en.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329061650/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/en/news/2005/download/release_20051216en.pdf |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=November 1, 2016 |publisher=Square Enix Co., Ltd.}}</ref><ref name="Taito and ES1 merger">{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2009 |title=Notice of an Absorption-type Company Split Between Taito Corporation and ES1 Corporation |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/news/20091127_01en.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094946/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/news/20091127_01en.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=November 1, 2016 |publisher=Square Enix Holdings}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|Enix America Inc. |1999 |April 1, 2003 |[[Seattle]], [[King County, Washington]], United States |A joint venture between [[Enix]] and [[Eidos Interactive]] to publish Enix games for Western markets. |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tidwell, Mike |date=August 3, 1999 |title=News from Enix |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-1999/080399a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050310202538/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-1999/080399a.html |archive-date=March 10, 2005 |access-date=July 29, 2008 |publisher=RPGamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone, Cortney |year=2003 |title=Enix America Shuts Down |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2003/020203a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061106180303/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2003/020203a.html |archive-date=November 6, 2006 |access-date=September 11, 2007 |publisher=RPGamer}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|Square Enix Webstar Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (previously Enix Webstar Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.) |2001 |February 28, 2005 |Beijing, China |[[Enix]] Chinese publishing division. |<ref name="China" />{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
!scope="row"|UIEvolution |March 2004 |December 17, 2007 |[[Bellevue, Washington]], United States |Square Enix [[mobile software]] development division. |<ref name="UIEvolution">{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=John |date=December 17, 2007 |title=Square Enix sells off UIEvolution |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/venture/2008/01/13/square-enix-sells-off-uievolution/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723023917/http://blog.seattlepi.com/venture/2008/01/13/square-enix-sells-off-uievolution/ |archive-date=July 23, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2008 |website=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|Taito Art Corporation |September 28, 2005 |July 28, 2008 |Tokyo, Japan |Taito travel and insurance agency subsidiary. |<ref name="Liquidation of Taito subsidiaries">{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Notice regarding Dissolution and Liquidation of Subsidiaries |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/news/2008/download/20080728en_40.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307171907/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/news/2008/download/20080728en_40.pdf |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2008 |publisher=Square Enix Co., Ltd.}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
!scope="row"|Taito Tech Co., Ltd. |September 28, 2005 |July 28, 2008 |Tokyo, Japan |Taito subsidiary for maintenance and transportation of amusement equipment. |<ref name="Liquidation of Taito subsidiaries" />{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
!scope="row"|Smile-Lab Co., Ltd. |February 29, 2008 |May 2017 |Tokyo, Japan |Development and operation studio for social games and community services. Sold to the management of the studio. | |-
!scope="row"|Square Enix of Europe Holdings |December 4, 2008 |April 26, 2016 |London, England |Holding company for the group's operations in Europe. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Square Enix News Center (English) |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/pdf/ar_2014_11corporate.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228223246/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/pdf/ar_2014_11corporate.pdf |archive-date=December 28, 2018 |access-date=December 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SQUARE ENIX OF EUROPE HOLDINGS LIMITED – Overview (free company information from Companies House) |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06765697 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228175127/https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06765697 |archive-date=December 28, 2018 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |publisher=Companies House, Government of the United Kingdom}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
! scope="row" |[[Beautiful Game Studios]] |April 22, 2009 |2013 |London, United Kingdom |Square Enix Europe game development subsidiary, ''[[Championship Manager series|Championship Manager]]'' series. |<ref name="Eidosbought" />{{Primary source inline|date=April 2023}} |-
! scope="row" |[[Eidos Hungary]] (previously Mithis Entertainment) |April 22, 2009 |April 19, 2010 |[[Budapest]], Hungary |Square Enix Europe game development subsidiary. |<ref name="Eidos Hungary">{{Cite web |last=Crossley, Rob |date=April 19, 2010 |title=Square Enix comes clean on cuts and closure |url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/34564/Square-Enix-comes-clean-on-cuts-Hungary-closure |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310041225/http://www.develop-online.net/news/34564/Square-Enix-comes-clean-on-cuts-Hungary-closure |archive-date=March 10, 2012 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |website=[[Develop (UK magazine)|Develop]]}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|[[Eidos Interactive]] |April 22, 2009 |November 10, 2009 |[[Wimbledon, London|Wimbledon]], London, United Kingdom |Western [[intellectual properties]] publishing subsidiary. Merged with Square Enix Europe. |<ref name="Eidosbought">{{Citation |title=Corporate Strategy meeting regarding Eidos integration |date=April 22, 2009 |url=http://www.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/news/20090422_02en.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307062011/http://www.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/news/20090422_02en.pdf |publisher=Square Enix |archive-date=March 7, 2012}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|[[IO Interactive]] |April 22, 2009 |June 16, 2017 |[[Copenhagen]], Denmark |Square Enix Europe game development subsidiary. Sold to the management of the studio. |<ref name="IO Interactive">{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2017 |title=The Future of IOI |url=http://www.ioi.dk/the-future-of-ioi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624121111/http://www.ioi.dk/the-future-of-ioi/ |archive-date=June 24, 2017 |access-date=June 16, 2017 |publisher=IO Interactive}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|[[Crystal Dynamics]] |rowspan="2" |April 22, 2009 |rowspan="3" |August 26, 2022 |[[Redwood City, California]], United States |rowspan="3" |Square Enix Europe game development subsidiary. Sold to [[Embracer Group]] |<ref name="Eidosbought" /> |-
!scope="row"|[[Eidos Montréal]] |[[Montréal]], Quebec, Canada |<ref name="Eidosbought" /> |-
!scope="row"|Studio Onoma (previously [[Square Enix Montréal]]) |November 21, 2011 |Montréal, Quebec, Canada |<ref name="SEM">{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2011 |title=SQUARE ENIX TO EXPAND FURTHER IN MONTRÉAL |url=http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/2011/html/f59a62fddbf4cff95811a41d5cde6676.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716223806/http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/2011/html/f59a62fddbf4cff95811a41d5cde6676.html |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |access-date=May 19, 2016 |publisher=Square Enix}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|Hippos Lab Co., Ltd. |March 7, 2011 |May 1, 2015 |Tokyo, Japan |Original content mainly focusing on smartphones social games. Sold to United, Inc. |<ref name="hippos" /> |-
!scope="row"|Smileworks |June 17, 2013 |January 14, 2015 |[[Jakarta]], Indonesia |[[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Windows Phone]] and [[Nokia]] [[smartphones]]. |<ref name="Indonesia">{{Cite web |last=Gera |first=Emily |date=June 17, 2013 |title=Square Enix opens mobile studio in Indonesia |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/17/4437474/square-enix-opens-mobile-studio-in-indonesia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203221138/http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/17/4437474/square-enix-opens-mobile-studio-in-indonesia |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=June 25, 2014 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anne-Lee |first=Mary |date=January 14, 2015 |title=Square Enix shuts down Indonesia spin-off studio, Smileworks |url=https://www.techinasia.com/square-enix-smileworks-shut-down/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811115947/https://www.techinasia.com/square-enix-smileworks-shut-down/ |archive-date=August 11, 2015 |access-date=August 10, 2015 |publisher=Tech in Asia}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|[[Tokyo RPG Factory]] |August 2014 |January 31, 2024 |Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan |Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. game development subsidiary. Merged with Square Enix Co. Ltd. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-31 |title=Square Enix absorbs Tokyo RPG Factory |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/square-enix-absorbs-tokyo-rpg-factory |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US|archive-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131044335/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/square-enix-absorbs-tokyo-rpg-factory |url-status=live}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|Shinra Technologies |September 18, 2014 |January 2016 |New York City, United States |[[Cloud services]]. |<ref name="Shinra">{{Cite web |last=Romano, Sal |date=September 18, 2014 |title=Square Enix announces Shinra cloud gaming service |url=http://gematsu.com/2014/09/square-enix-announces-shinra-cloud-gaming-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416040541/http://gematsu.com/2014/09/square-enix-announces-shinra-cloud-gaming-service |archive-date=April 16, 2016 |access-date=May 14, 2016 |publisher=Gematsu}}</ref><ref name="Shinra2">{{Cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=January 6, 2016 |title=Square Enix closes cloud gaming company Shinra Technologies |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-06-square-enix-closes-cloud-gaming-company-shinra-technologies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063329/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-06-square-enix-closes-cloud-gaming-company-shinra-technologies |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2016 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|Studio Istolia |February 21, 2017 |May 15, 2019 |Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan |Square Enix Co., Ltd. game development subsidiary. Shut down. |<ref name="About Studio Istolia">{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.studioistolia.com/aboutus.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072446/http://www.studioistolia.com/aboutus.html |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=February 21, 2017 |publisher=Studio Istolia}}</ref><ref name="IshtolaEnd">{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2019 |title=Square Enix closes Studio Istolia, cancels Project Prelude Rune |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/05/square-enix-closes-studio-istolia-cancels-project-prelude-rune |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216110930/https://gematsu.com/2019/05/square-enix-closes-studio-istolia-cancels-project-prelude-rune |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |access-date=May 12, 2020 |website=Gematsu}}</ref> |-
!scope="row"|[[Luminous Productions]] |March 27, 2018 |May 1, 2023 |Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan |Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. game development subsidiary. Merged with Square Enix Co. Ltd. | |-
!scope="row"|Square Enix London Mobile |October 2021 |2022 |London, United Kingdom |Square Enix Europe game development subsidiary. Merged with Square Enix Montréal |<ref name="Gematsu: London">{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/10/square-enix-london-mobile-established-developing-tomb-raider-and-avatar-the-last-airbender-games |title=Square Enix London Mobile established, developing Tomb Raider and Avatar: The Last Airbender games |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=October 20, 2021 |website=Gematsu |access-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128052057/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/10/square-enix-london-mobile-established-developing-tomb-raider-and-avatar-the-last-airbender-games |url-status=live}}</ref> |}
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{URL|hd.square-enix.com/eng/|Official corporate website}} * {{URL|hd.square-enix.com/jpn/|Official corporate website}} {{in lang|ja}} * {{Official website}}
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