Davesto, from Gameolio, writes:
"The news of the Final Fantasy XIV development team restructuring and Square-Enix slashing profit forecast by 92% came as a shock-wave to the gaming industry. Surely team restructuring and changes in profit forecast are not new in the gaming industry. But citing the failure of a flag ship franchise title because it bombed beyond expectation did cause some jaw-littering.
Final Fantasy XIV generated high expectation from gamers and industrial practitioners alike. Also with the experience of Final Fantasy XI, there were high hopes for Square-Enix’s next MMO under the Final Fantasy brand. However, low critic scores, gamers complaints, glitches in the game and now sluggish sales (some local shops in my area already put them in bargain bins) all contributed to Square-Enix’s drastic recent actions. Trial free play period has been extended for a second time to keep people in the game, but would that stop disappointed gamers from leaving?"
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth publisher Square Enix has declared a $140m loss based on a shakeup of its internal development pipeline.
What are they doing over there? Sounds like they canceled something big. I read a rumor a while back about ff9 remake . Here "Final Fantasy IX has gone through a very challenging development, the game is still in progress but may undergo changes drastic enough that we won't hear about it for a couple of years."
This could be one of the reasons if the rumor is true. That was Silknight i don't know how credible he is but it's something and it would make sense.
The industry implosion is continuing. Sky high budgets, prolonged development windows, stagnant sales numbers, and falling currency values (inflation) are wreaking havoc on the legacy industry. AAA games will slowly become the rarity.
Saad from eXputer: "After suffering from massive financial hits, Square Enix & Bandai Namco appear to be turning over a new leaf but I'm still unconvinced."
I was talking about games with some Japanese guys here in Japan, and it seems like around here Bandai Namco has a fame of making low-quality games, with the occasional gem.
About Square Enix, I believe they lack the capacity to improve. They should learn with Capcom (although even Capcom still makes some bad mistakes), but I don't think they ever will. They keep chasing whatever is new at the time (blockchain, AI...) to say "we innovate", without considering the public perception and if these things actually improve the games or not. Them releasing too many small games with no advertising also shows a lack of trust in its own products. Even with their biggest games, like turning FF into an action game with XVI and the very divisive plot changes regarding whispers and timelines in VII Remake, shows them trying to attract a new generation of gamers without understanding what made the series so big in the first place.
I don’t know why NOW they decide on this, but I guess later is better than never.
Saad from eXputer: "I'm glad I don't have to choose between Square Enix, Atlus, and FromSoftware due to bad release windows and Shadow of the Erdtree."
What a word vomit, rambling, turd of an article that simply states the obvious. Classic exputer.
Honestly, Agito and Versus have my full attention. They will shape my future with S-E and decide wether or not I will buy their games. From the small amount of gameplay shown, both look good so far and jan 17th will show us what they really look like.
i simply don't like playing online, especially when it comes down to a Final Fantasy game.
Final Fantasy will become Forgotten Fantasy the way SE is ruining the franchise.
Good article I agree with most of it.
The golden days of Final Fantasy are behind. Atleast I was there to play them. Actually the golden days of RPGs together are gone.. breath of fire, chrono cross/trigger, legend of dragoon and so many more. Hopefully since Japan got legend of dragoon and chrono cross then they will release it in US as well.