Square Enix has released its financial report for its fiscal 2012 ending March 31. After being in the red in 2011, the company has returned to profitability in 2012. The games Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Deus Ex: Human Revolution were specifically cited as reasons for success in the report. My personal theory is that millions of gamers bought the Serah-in-a-bikini DLC for XIII-2, which was just pure profit.
What’s more interesting (for people that aren’t down with Serah in a bikini) is that Square Enix strategy of blending East and West is shaping up to be a successful one. The company will always sell millions of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games. Rounding out its JRPG offerings are Western titles like Deus Ex and Tomb Raider (delayed to 2013, btw).
As a longtime fan of Square Enix JRPGs, it’s still a bit weird for me to think of the company as the publisher of Deus Ex, Hitman, and Tomb Raider. A few months ago, I jokingly asked Square Enix’s PR director, “When did Square Enix become a white company?!?” Despite the strangeness for me as a fanboy gamer, it’s a smart business strategy and it has been fun watching the company’s evolution.
Any thoughts on Square Enix’s financial results? Do you think the company’s melange of Eastern and Western games will lead to sustained success?
I credit Reona Rewis.
Duh! Reona Rewis is the main reason Square Enix survived the recession.