Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Square Enix CEO feels Final Fantasy 14 'greatly damaged' brand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/square-enix-ceo-feels-final-fantasy-14-greatly-damaged-brand/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/square-enix-ceo-feels-final-fantasy-14-greatly-damaged-brand/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/square-enix-ceo-feels-final-fantasy-14-greatly-damaged-brand/#comments
Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada stated at a recent press conference that the Final Fantasy brand had been "greatly damaged" by the launch of Final Fantasy 14.

"We'll continue with our reform work, which basically amounts to fully redoing the game, and hope to revive the FF14 that should have been released," said Wada, according to Andriasang (translating a report on Sponichi).

The launch of Final Fantasy 14 for PC last year, even by a conservative measure, was an unmitigated disaster. A PS3 version never saw the light of day, as the publisher restructured the staff to fix, er, almost everything. Wada apologized for the game at that time and the title still hasn't implemented its intended subscription fee to this day -- and given the freemium trend in MMOs, likely never will.

JoystiqSquare Enix CEO feels Final Fantasy 14 'greatly damaged' brand originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xivmmooopspcSquare-EnixYoichi-WadaWed, 28 Sep 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix head Yoichi Wada sees a gaming future in the clouds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/square-enix-head-yoichi-wada-sees-a-gaming-future-in-the-clouds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/square-enix-head-yoichi-wada-sees-a-gaming-future-in-the-clouds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/square-enix-head-yoichi-wada-sees-a-gaming-future-in-the-clouds/#comments Tokyo Game Show 2011 is officially on, with today's keynote, delivered by Square Enix prez Yoichi Wada, kicking things off. Despite Mr. Wada's position at the JRPG giant, he's here speaking as the chairman of the Computer Entertainment Software Association, which means he had some pretty high level content to get through in his speech. In fact, his keynote is named, "The Nature of the Industry Revolution of Games."

First and foremost, he's all about the cloud. No, not that Cloud, but the one that allows for remote gaming. "I think the cloud is a real revolution," Wada explained. In his eyes, he's got a variety of electronics with "huge processing power" -- processing power that could be harnessed for new gameplay experiences. "If you could concentrate such processing power on the cloud, then there's going to be a huge paradigm shift," he added.

As for when this "paradigm shift" will happen, Wada is less clear. According to his presentation, he expects a move in that direction anywhere between now and 2015. In the meantime, he believes we're only just now experiencing the first in several new waves of change in the game industry.

Continue reading Square Enix head Yoichi Wada sees a gaming future in the clouds

JoystiqSquare Enix head Yoichi Wada sees a gaming future in the clouds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonysquare-enixtgstgs-2011tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2011wiixboxyoichi-wadaWed, 14 Sep 2011 22:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix earnings drop, lack of 'major title releases' to blame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/square-enix-earnings-drop-lack-of-major-title-releases-to-bla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/square-enix-earnings-drop-lack-of-major-title-releases-to-bla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/square-enix-earnings-drop-lack-of-major-title-releases-to-bla/#comments Square Enix reported a quarter that's likely to have executives as irritable and glum as the protagonist of your average Final Fantasy game. In the quarter ended June 11, the company reported net sales of ¥24.5 billion ($312 million), down 25% year over year. Net income was down 62%, at ¥690 million ($8.8 million).

"In a quarter without major title releases," said president Yoichi Wada, "our Group's sales and profit were lower compared to the previous fiscal year. At the same time, however, we are making solid progress toward our targets for the full fiscal year ending March 2012." As far as successes, Wada named the browser-based Sengoku Ixa and Nicotto Town (above) -- services exclusive to the Japanese market.

The rest of the fiscal year is also surprisingly Japan-focused, with only one game scheduled to be released from the Eidos side of the company between now and March, namely Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Also due in the west: Final Fantasy XIII-2 (January in North America, "Early 2012" in Europe), and Dragon Quest spinoff games Fortune Street and Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2, both published by Nintendo.

JoystiqSquare Enix earnings drop, lack of 'major title releases' to blame originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsearningsfy-2011microsoftnintendoplaystationps3square-enixwiixboxyoichi-wadaFri, 05 Aug 2011 10:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix's Wii U tests don't necessarily involve Dragon Quest X]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/square-enixs-wii-u-tests-dont-necessarily-involve-dragon-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/square-enixs-wii-u-tests-dont-necessarily-involve-dragon-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/square-enixs-wii-u-tests-dont-necessarily-involve-dragon-quest/#comments Yesterday's report that Square Enix is considering a version of Dragon Quest X for Wii U has been clarified by the site that first brought us CEO Yoichi Wada's comments, made to a group of investors. Apparently the company is working with the Wii U tech, but that's a completely separate endeavor from Dragon Quest X for now.

So, while it's possible that you may still see Dragon Quest X on Wii U, Square isn't saying one way or the other. Frankly, we'd be happier to see something made from the ground up for the unique console.

And are we angry that we were lead astray? No, friends, we're not. Sometimes, things just get lost in translation. In fact, that's the subject of our favorite Bill Murray movie, which is Garfield.

JoystiqSquare Enix's Wii U tests don't necessarily involve Dragon Quest X originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-xnintendosquare-enixwiiwii-uyoichi-wadaThu, 23 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix considering Wii U-compatible Dragon Quest X [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/square-enix-considering-wii-u-compatible-dragon-quest-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/square-enix-considering-wii-u-compatible-dragon-quest-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/square-enix-considering-wii-u-compatible-dragon-quest-x/#comments During a shareholder meeting, Square Enix president Yoichi Wada noted that Square Enix is considering a Wii U version of its upcoming Wii RPG Dragon Quest X. According to a transcript of the proceeding, an investor asked Wada if he believed it was time to make the game for Wii U instead of the original Wii.

Instead of releasing it only on the successor system, however, Wada said that Square Enix was in the midst of "technical investigations" on how to support Wii U, and stated that the company "must consider" compatibility with both systems.

While the Wii might be on its way out, Enix's SOP with the series has always been to wait for an established, high-selling platform to emerge, and then put the game on that. A multiplatform release would be enough of a break from that tradition; we wouldn't expect Square Enix to stray so far as to launch the game only on a new platform.

[Update: The blog that provided the transcript has since clarified the statements, reporting that Wada was talking about Wii U experiments separate from Dragon Quest X, and not DQX on Wii U.]

JoystiqSquare Enix considering Wii U-compatible Dragon Quest X [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-questdragon-quest-xnintendowiiwii-uyoichi-wadaWed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix profits plummet, but loss avoided to close out 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/square-enix-profits-plummet-but-loss-avoided-to-close-out-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/square-enix-profits-plummet-but-loss-avoided-to-close-out-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/square-enix-profits-plummet-but-loss-avoided-to-close-out-2010/#comments The potentially lucrative holiday quarter -- Q3 of Square Enix's fiscal year -- didn't bring a slowdown to the publisher's sinking profits. Instead, the company slid closer to landing in the red as 2010 came to an end. For the nine months ending December 31, 2010, Square Enix today reported a net income of ¥1.821 billion ($22.33 million), a 76.6 percent decrease in profits from the same period the year before. When the iPhone port of Secret of Mana is perhaps your most significant release during the holidays, what more can you expect?

Accordingly, net sales in the nine-month period were also down year-over-year (though just by 27.5 percent) for the business, which (aside from games) includes amusement, publication and merchandising products. Speaking of games, the holiday quarter didn't push any additional Square Enix titles into coveted "million-seller" status -- only Kane & Lynch 2 and Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 (Japan only) have reached a million in sales during the company's current fiscal year (ending March 31, 2011), and both had done so by the end of last September.

"Responding to intensifying competition in the console game market, the company has implemented organizational changes in the third quarter while also working to better select and further strengthen our most competitive titles," Square Enix president Yoichi Wada offered in a short statement accompanying the financial report.

"In other platform areas including PCs and smartphones, we have created successful examples of new content such as Nicotto Town and Sengoku Ixa," Wada added. "By pursuing these two independent markets, we are raising our ability to succeed in diverse business models." So diversified has Square Enix become, in fact, that this is the first we've ever heard of these two "successful" projects!

[Pictured: Nicotto Town; image source: nifty.co.jp]

JoystiqSquare Enix profits plummet, but loss avoided to close out 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-monsters-joker-2earningsfinancialfy-2011kane-and-lynch-2microsoftmillion-sellersmobilenicotto-townpcplaystationps3q3salessengoku-ixasquare-enixxboxyoichi-wadaThu, 03 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV team restructuring, PS3 version delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/final-fantasy-xiv-team-restructuring-ps3-version-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/final-fantasy-xiv-team-restructuring-ps3-version-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/final-fantasy-xiv-team-restructuring-ps3-version-delayed/#commentsWe've got bad news and we've got worse news. First, the bad news: The PS3 version of Final Fantasy XIV, originally due March of next year, has been delayed indefinitely.

The worse news is that it's been delayed because the PC game is such a disaster. In an announcement released to the FFXIV community, Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada apologized for the fact that the game isn't very enjoyable ... and then said that the FFXIV team is restructuring, with new leadership stepping in. Producer Hiromichi Tanaka is out, with Naoki Yoshida taking over as producer/director, and many other positions are also being restaffed. The new team is now working on "a concrete plan outlining Final Fantasy XIV's new direction." Until that new plan is implemented, the game's free trial period will continue.

And so, with the PC version currently a directionless mess, Square Enix wisely decided not to base the PS3 version on that, but instead on whatever the post-restructuring game will be. There's good news, then: Square Enix stopped making what would have been a terrible PS3 game.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIV team restructuring, PS3 version delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmmopcplaystationps3restructuringsquare-enixyoichi-wadaFri, 10 Dec 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix 'looking into' Xbox 360 release of Final Fantasy Versus XIII]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/square-enix-looking-into-xbox-360-release-of-final-fantasy-ver/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/square-enix-looking-into-xbox-360-release-of-final-fantasy-ver/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/square-enix-looking-into-xbox-360-release-of-final-fantasy-ver/#commentsDuring an investor meeting in Tokyo, Square Enix president Yoichi Wada indicated that the company is considering a multiplatform release for Final Fantasy Versus XIII. An attendee asked Wada about the possibility of putting the currently PS3-exclusive Fabula Nova Crystallis game on Xbox 360 like Final Fantasy XIII, in order to boost sales outside of Japan, to which Wada responded (according to Andriasang's translation) "We'll be looking into it internally until right before the formal announcement."

Wada did not mention when that "formal announcement" would take place. E3 is coming up, so it's entirely possible Wada is building up to that, having expressed his hope for an E3 unveil previously. But we've given up on expecting this game to become real any time soon. When it stops existing only in secret trailer form and becomes an actual, playable game, we'll be shocked, regardless of the platform (or platforms).

Update: Wada responded on Twitter (via Andriasang) to speculation about his comments: "It looks like the 'net is heating up. Versus on Xbox? What I said at the earnings press conference was just that until a formal announcement is made at the announcement time, all points about all titles are not finalized." In other words, he is stressing that Square hasn't made any decisions.

JoystiqSquare Enix 'looking into' Xbox 360 release of Final Fantasy Versus XIII originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fabula-nova-crystallisfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-versus-xiiifinal-fantasy-xiiiMicrosoftrpgsquare-enixXbox-360yoichi-wadaWed, 19 May 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Chocobo Panic' hits European trademark office]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/chocobo-panic-hits-european-trademark-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/chocobo-panic-hits-european-trademark-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/chocobo-panic-hits-european-trademark-office/#commentsSquare Enix has filed for another Chocobo-branded trademark in Europe. Adding to the still mysterious "Chocobo's Crystal Tower" trademark application, the Final Fantasy publisher recently filed to secure "Chocobo Panic." In addition, Siliconera notes that the "chocobopanic.com" domain is registered to none other than Square Enix president Yoichi Wada.

Chocobo Panic sounds like a name for a downloadable puzzle game, but until we know for sure, it's more fun to imagine a game in which Final Fantasy characters become terrified to ride the giant birds after a series of Chocobo attacks. Players would choose either a Chocobo-scarred hero, who must figure out how to reach accord with the birds while also saving the world from an ancient evil (or something); or the brave leader of the Chocobo faction, who, in an RTS-like scenario, mobilizes his flightless charges while keeping morale up with yummy Gysahl Greens.

[Via Siliconera]

Joystiq'Chocobo Panic' hits European trademark office originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobo-paniceuropesquare-enixtrademarkyoichi-wadaFri, 14 May 2010 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix 'Extreme Edges' is new label for publisher's violent games in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/square-enix-extreme-edges-is-new-label-for-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/square-enix-extreme-edges-is-new-label-for-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/square-enix-extreme-edges-is-new-label-for-violent-games/#commentsAs Square Enix continues to expand globablly, it's starting to publish titles in Japan that aren't traditionally "Square Enix," like Modern Warfare 2 and games from its newly acquired Eidos subsidiary. According to Famitsu (via Andriasang), president Yoichi Wada has announced a new box label to be used by the publisher that will differentiate its "mature" Western games from its usual slate of more innocent fantasy products: "Square Enix Extreme Edges." Wait -- didn't Wada say he wanted Japanese gamers not to discriminate against Western games?

The "Extreme Edges" label will be used for Western-made games bearing CERO "D" (17+) or "Z" (18+) ratings, though Square Enix has yet to publish any CERO Z titles. The Z rating is legally age-restricted, and games bearing it are often not displayed in stores. Square Enix, however, will release Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days in Japan on August 26; a game that at least seems "edgy" and "extreme" enough for the new label and probably worthy of the CERO Z rating, as well.

JoystiqSquare Enix 'Extreme Edges' is new label for publisher's violent games in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerocero-dcero-zeidosextreme-edgeskane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysMicrosoftratingssquare-enixsquare-enix-europesquare-enix-extreme-edgeswestern-gamesXbox-360yoichi-wadaTue, 27 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy IX confirmed for release on Japanese PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/final-fantasy-ix-confirmed-for-release-on-japanese-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/final-fantasy-ix-confirmed-for-release-on-japanese-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/final-fantasy-ix-confirmed-for-release-on-japanese-psn/#comments If you're wondering who you need to talk to in order to get your beloved PS1 RPGs onto the PlayStation Store, we're thinking Shinji Hashimoto is the man who gets things done. Last week, he said he was planning on "proposing" bringing Final Fantasy IX to the PSN -- this week, Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada confirmed that the game would soon join FFVII and FFVIII on the PS3's Japanese digital storefront. No release date or pricing details have been released so far.

Impressive, Mr. Hashimoto. Most impressive. But we bet you can't do it again for Chrono Cross. Oh, and while you're at it, we bet you can't get Vagrant Story localized for U.S. release. C'mon. We dare you.

JoystiqFinal Fantasy IX confirmed for release on Japanese PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ixplaystation-storepsnrpgshinji-hashimotosquaresquare-enixyoichi-wadaSat, 03 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix CEO: We're 'going to explore the possibility' of Final Fantasy VII remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/square-enix-ceo-were-going-to-explore-the-possibility-of-ffv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/square-enix-ceo-were-going-to-explore-the-possibility-of-ffv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/square-enix-ceo-were-going-to-explore-the-possibility-of-ffv/#comments So far, Square Enix has said that a Final Fantasy VII remake would be "unrealistic," "tough to do in HD" and "not happening." But hold out hope, die-hards, because during an interview at FFXIII's launch party, Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada finally admitted that the company is "going to explore the possibility" of revisiting the classic RPG. He didn't completely reverse the long-held position, as he says Square Enix has to decide "whether or not we're going to do it, if we're going to do it, and the platform," but he did finally admit that there have been a lot of fan requests to see the game in a new form, so he's giving it some solid thought.

Of course, the huge success of the game's re-release on PSN probably didn't hurt either. If Square's convinced a remake will sell (and people will play through Gaia yet again, possibly even on yet another platform), we'll probably see it somewhere sooner or later.

JoystiqSquare Enix CEO: We're 'going to explore the possibility' of Final Fantasy VII remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FFVIIfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-viifinal-fantasy-vii-remakere-releaseremakesquare-enixyoichi-wadaMon, 22 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix wants to get down with the browser game market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/square-enix-wants-to-get-down-with-the-browser-game-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/square-enix-wants-to-get-down-with-the-browser-game-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/square-enix-wants-to-get-down-with-the-browser-game-market/#comments Square Enix sees you over there, browser-based social games. President Yoichi Wada sees you working that lower barrier to entry and typically lower development costs. He sees and ... well, to put it to you straight: He likey. In fact, he's been talking to his boys over at Develop about you, stuff like "I believe that these types of games are going to be spreading and growing dramatically" and "the potential size of the market is enormous." You don't need a dictionary to know he is down.

In fact, he's already got a team in Tokyo developing some games to help him break into you. That's a little aggressive for our style, but you gotta hand it to our boy: Wada is hungry like the wolf.

JoystiqSquare Enix wants to get down with the browser game market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedcasualfacebooksquare-enixyoichi-wadaTue, 15 Dec 2009 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Wada wants Japanese gamers to stop discriminating against Western games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/wada-wants-japanese-gamers-to-stop-discriminating-against-wester/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/wada-wants-japanese-gamers-to-stop-discriminating-against-wester/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/wada-wants-japanese-gamers-to-stop-discriminating-against-wester/#comments
[Hachimaki]
Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada wants Japanese gamers to be more open to Western games. In a Japanese TV interview (excerpted and translated by Kotaku), Wada said, "Even now, there have been people in Japan using the label youge- (literally 'Western games') with a terribly discriminatory meaning." While the concern about Western games may seem uncharacteristic for the head of a Japanese publisher, this is the Japanese publisher who just purchased Eidos, and who is currently marketing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in Japan.

"I'd like them to try it once," Wada said about Modern Warfare 2. "If they play it once, they'd realize how incorrect that label is." Just like the subtitles.

JoystiqWada wants Japanese gamers to stop discriminating against Western games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsjapanMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2square-enixwestern-gamesXbox-360yoichi-wadayougeTue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wada emphasizes online delivery, advises devs to shift focus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/wada-emphasizes-online-delivery-advises-devs-to-shift-focus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/wada-emphasizes-online-delivery-advises-devs-to-shift-focus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/wada-emphasizes-online-delivery-advises-devs-to-shift-focus/#comments
Square Enix president Yoichi Wada estimates digital distribution and server-based gaming is poised for "exponential growth" within the next decade, advising developers to prepare for the shift. "In the past the platform was hardware, but it has switched to the network. A time will come when the hardware isn't even needed anymore," he said in an interview with MCV.

According to Wada, consoles as we know them will change dramatically, as "any kind of terminal becomes a potential platform on which games can be played." Wada believes platform holders have been preparing for the shift to network-based games and delivery systems since 2005, forcing his company to respond by increasing production of social and browser games. Square Enix is also preparing a beta release for the MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV in 2010.

While the Square Enix boss believes this shift has a greater global impact, especially in regions which do not have large console markets, our major fear is having to download an entire single-player Final Fantasy. Seriously, that's a lot of gigs.

JoystiqWada emphasizes online delivery, advises devs to shift focus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-gamesbusinessdigital-deliverydigital-distributionfuturehardwarenetworkserver-based-gamingsquare-enixyoichi-wadaThu, 26 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix chief confident in Modern Warfare 2's success in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/square-enix-chief-confident-in-modern-warfare-2s-success-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/square-enix-chief-confident-in-modern-warfare-2s-success-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/square-enix-chief-confident-in-modern-warfare-2s-success-in-japan/#comments
[SUPERIOR INTERNET CONTENT! X2]

Western-developed games have rarely found success in Japan. However, Square Enix head Yoichi Wada doesn't believe it's because of inherent nationalism. "In the past, Japanese retailers have said that Japanese gamers have their own idiosyncrasies and tastes, and that that is the reason why the audience is not accepting of overseas titles," Wada told Ars Technica. "But I believe that is not the case, it was just a matter of poorly executed marketing."

Microsoft would probably take offense to that claim, considering it has poured considerable effort into the territory with arguably little return. Still, Capcom's success with the Grand Theft Auto franchise shows that Japanese gamers aren't entirely adverse to Western-style games. Square Enix believes it can follow suit with Modern Warfare 2, which launches in Japan in December, given the publisher's "extensive experience with the Japanese market."

We're not exactly sure what Square Enix is doing to increase Modern Warfare's appeal in Japan (the image above is not part of the campaign), but it seems to be working. Taketo Matsuo, a representative of Japanese retailer Tsutaya, has predicted Modern Warfare 2 to be one of Japan's top 10 games this holiday. Considering the rest of the list is made up of new Final Fantasy, Mario and Zelda games, that would be quite an accomplishment.

JoystiqSquare Enix chief confident in Modern Warfare 2's success in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcall-of-dutyjapanmarketingmodern-warfare-2square-enixyoichi-wadaTue, 17 Nov 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix and Eidos working on first collaboration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/square-enix-and-eidos-working-on-first-collaboration/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/square-enix-and-eidos-working-on-first-collaboration/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/square-enix-and-eidos-working-on-first-collaboration/#commentsAt the Montreal Games Summit, Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada announced that Square is working with Eidos Montreal, part of the newly absorbed Eidos, on a new game. The studio is also working on Thief 4 (or ... "Thi4f") and Deus Ex 3. Wada said that the new game "would be the first collaboration between Square Enix and Montreal," in addition to being the first work done by Eidos in tandem with its Square Enix overlords.

Wada framed the development as part of Square Enix's effort to think more globally. What he didn't talk about was what the game is, be it new IP or another sequel. Presumably, it's the first of many such collaborations, since Square Enix is unlikely to let its subsidiary work totally autonomously.

JoystiqSquare Enix and Eidos working on first collaboration originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoseidos-montrealmontreal-games-summitsquare-enixyoichi-wadaMon, 16 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix summons Earnings Report; Final Fantasy XIII Sales Projections evade attacks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/square-enix-summons-earnings-report-final-fantasy-xiii-sales-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/square-enix-summons-earnings-report-final-fantasy-xiii-sales-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/square-enix-summons-earnings-report-final-fantasy-xiii-sales-pr/#comments Square Enix recently chose to attack with its annual earnings report, and among the 12-page PDF file's barrage of numbers, things look pretty good for the company. Net sales for the six months ending September 30, 2009 were up 33 percent over the same period last year to 91 billion yen ($1 billion), while operating income was also up by 39 percent to 13 billion yen ($144.5 million) over the same period last year. It's not all roses and Dragon Quest IX sales, however -- net income was down almost 58 percent to 2.7 billion yen ($30 million).

The statement also talks about the acquisition and assimilation of Eidos in direct proportion to Square Enix's games group division -- which includes video games across all platforms and online games for personal computers. Through the aid of titles like Batman: Arkham Asylum, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and the aforementioned Dragon Quest IX, the games division rose its net sales and operating income by 117 percent and 63 percent to 4.8 billion yen ($53 million) and 1.0 billion yen ($11 million), respectively.

As for the company's upcoming darling, Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix prez Yoichi Wada spoke about concern regarding the title's projected domestic sales. Basically, he's not concerned at all! "PS3 sales continue to increase. We're bundling PS3 and FFXIII, and can expect even further sales increases. Orders for FFXIII are definitely not bad," he said. While he didn't reiterate anything as bold as six million, Wada did claim that the game is expected to sell in the millions.

Source - Square Enix earnings (PDF) [Via andriasang]
Source - Wada comments on FFXIII sales

JoystiqSquare Enix summons Earnings Report; Final Fantasy XIII Sales Projections evade attacks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSearningsearnings-reporteidosfinancialJRPGLevel-5MicrosoftNintendoRPGsquare-enixWiiXbox-360yoichi-wadaFri, 06 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Everyone agrees: new IP needed for industry 'to survive']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/everyone-agrees-new-ip-needed-for-industry-to-survive/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/everyone-agrees-new-ip-needed-for-industry-to-survive/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/everyone-agrees-new-ip-needed-for-industry-to-survive/#comments What do Sony's Michael Denny, Square Enix's Yoichi Wada, and Codemasters' Rod Cousens have in common? Okay, they're all middle-aged men that happen to work in the video games industry -- but they also share a common belief in pursuing original IP. "For me the answer is clear, simply, we must support new IP creation to survive as an industry. Consumers crave new things. If we want to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive marketplace, we have to continue to produce new experiences," Denny told GI.biz. Certainly, SCEE has been pushing a lot of new IPs this generation, with Denny overseeing games like Heavy Rain and EyePet.

Wada agrees with Denny's sentiment, noting that "as an entertainment company the business won't be viable if we don't continue to nurture new IPs." This may be ironic coming from a company that's releasing a game called Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers this holiday, and both Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIV next year, but we can credit them for making The World Ends With You, right?

Cousens goes a step further, saying innovation has always been at the heart of the industry. "From day one since we walked in the door we've always tried to be experimental, to be innovative, to take things into new areas and to make it interesting." Obviously, the reason why publishers need to invest in new IPs is clear -- let's not forget that games like Madden used to be an original IP at one point.

Source - Sony: Industry needs new IP to survive
Source - Wada: Business 'not viable' without new IP
Source - Cousens: Industry must pursue new IP

JoystiqEveryone agrees: new IP needed for industry 'to survive' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersipmichael-dennyrod-cousenssceesonySony-Computer-Entertainment-Europesquare-enixyoichi-wadaFri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix looking to develop more best-selling IPs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/square-enix-looking-to-develop-more-best-selling-ips/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/square-enix-looking-to-develop-more-best-selling-ips/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/square-enix-looking-to-develop-more-best-selling-ips/#comments RPG juggernaut Square Enix already has a handful of reliable internet protocols intellectual properties in Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Kingdom Hearts -- however, the company is looking to expand its portfolio of best-selling franchises. In a recent interview with Reuters, Squeenix's Yoichi Wada explained that the developer is hoping to have eight flagship IPs, each installment in which will be capable of selling two million units. He added that with the company's average development time of two years, one of these flagship games could be released every quarter.

So, where are these other five franchises going to come from? According to the interview, Square Enix is cooking up two or three potential blockbusters which should drop by late 2010 or early 2011. For the other IPs, the company may not need to look further than its recent Eidos acquisitions -- a haul which includes the recently successful Batman: Arkham Asylum. We certainly wouldn't mind seeing more of Bruce Wayne on a biennial basis.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqSquare Enix looking to develop more best-selling IPs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumdragon-questeidosfinal-fantasykingdom-heartssquare-enixyoichi-wadaTue, 29 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix head encourages Japanese devs to focus on 'adult' games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/square-enix-head-encourages-japanese-devs-to-focus-on-adult-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/square-enix-head-encourages-japanese-devs-to-focus-on-adult-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/square-enix-head-encourages-japanese-devs-to-focus-on-adult-ga/#comments
Once again, Tokyo Game Show plays host to a panel featuring the heads of the largest Japanese gaming companies. This year's panel entitled "Strategies and Visions of Top Makers in the Global Era" featured, from left, moderator Asami, Capcom's Haruhiro Tsujimoto, Konami's Kazumi Kitaue, Square's Yoichi Wada, Sony's Shuhei Yoshida, and Namco's Shin Unozawa.

Last year, Wada's assessment of the Japanese game industry was grim, noting that the Japanese industry had "lost its position." This year, he continued talking about the changes necessary for the industry to progress. With sales of 4 million units of Dragon Quest IX sold in Japan so far, Wada admits that things are rather good for now. However, he pointed to a growing problem: Japan's lack of adult-oriented games. "There are not many publishers that create games for adults," he said. "In the West, they tend to believe it's cool to play games, even adults."

Wada lamented that the perception doesn't hold true in Japan. He pointed out the outdated ratings system in Japan, which forces many publishers to censor many games, or avoid Japanese release altogether. While he agrees that "game ratings [are] to protect children," he believes it must be revised in that market. Should Japanese companies commit to change, "we can possibly lead the global market," he said towards the end of the panel. Of course, "it's hard to bring about change. Change is yet to come."

JoystiqSquare Enix head encourages Japanese devs to focus on 'adult' games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanpanelsquare-enixtgs-2009yoichi-wadaThu, 24 Sep 2009 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix head predicts new Wii in 2011, says motion 'impact' for Xbox, PlayStation will be 'small']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/square-enix-head-predicts-new-wii-in-2011-says-motion-impact/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/square-enix-head-predicts-new-wii-in-2011-says-motion-impact/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/square-enix-head-predicts-new-wii-in-2011-says-motion-impact/#comments The new motion controllers for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are likely to make big appearances at this year's Tokyo Game Show. While both Microsoft and Sony are attempting to take away some of Nintendo's mindshare with its new controllers, Square Enix head Yoichi Wada believes neither company will be truly successful. "Present game machines already have a lot of functions: they are a network terminal, a Blu-ray or DVD player, and a gaming machine. Compared to these three pillars, the [new motion] controllers are quite limited, so the impact may be small," Wada told the Financial Times.

Wada also believes that the three platforms will start looking more like each other by the year 2011, when he believes Nintendo will release the fabled successor of the Wii. The system will add features found on the PS3/360, and may also introduce a brand new controller. It'll certainly be interesting to see what moves consumers when an HD Nintendo system exists concurrently with motion-enabled Microsoft and Sony systems.

JoystiqSquare Enix head predicts new Wii in 2011, says motion 'impact' for Xbox, PlayStation will be 'small' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MicrosoftnatalNintendoplaystation-motion-controllerproject-natalsquare-enixwiiwii-hdXbox-360yoichi-wadaMon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Final Fantasy XIII release date, bundle confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/japanese-final-fantasy-xiii-release-date-bundle-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/japanese-final-fantasy-xiii-release-date-bundle-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/japanese-final-fantasy-xiii-release-date-bundle-confirmed/#commentsIt's official! Square Enix will release Final Fantasy XIII on December 17, 2009 in Japan, unless it decides not to between now and then. Square Enix president Yoichi Wada announced the release date and the price (8,800 yen, or $95!) today at its Final Fantasy XIII Party in the Miraikan museum (via 1UP).

Kaz Hirai then took the stage to announce that of course there will be a PS3 hardware bundle containing the game. He didn't mention any details -- no price nor release date, though it's sure to be day-and-date with the standalone software. When Square Enix does show it off, it'll be hard not to hear about it.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII (GamesCom 2009)

JoystiqJapanese Final Fantasy XIII release date, bundle confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiirpgsquare-enixyoichi-wadaTue, 08 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square president doesn't expect 'big impact' from PS3 price cut until 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/square-president-doesnt-expect-big-impact-from-ps3-price-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/square-president-doesnt-expect-big-impact-from-ps3-price-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/square-president-doesnt-expect-big-impact-from-ps3-price-cut/#comments
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Square Enix president Yoichi Wada offered a reserved but hopeful response to Sony's recent PlayStation 3 redesign and accompanying price drop. "In terms of the impact (the PS3 cut) will have on this financial year's earnings, I don't think there will be a major difference," he told Reuters. "But I expect there to be a big impact from next year."

If that seems like oddly hesitant approval, it's because Square Enix has been oddly hesitant in producing PlayStation 3 content up until now, instead placing its eggs in other, distinctly portable baskets. The company's first big hit on Sony's console looks to be derived from its purchase of Eidos, which netted the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Final Fantasy XIII isn't due to arrive in Japan until the end of the year. While Square Enix has forecast a doubling in operating profit within the current fiscal year -- ending next March -- it seems prudent of Wada to hold off on financial celebration until the effects of a cheaper PlayStation become apparent and Final Fantasy XIII's reach extends beyond Japan.

[Via Edge Online]

JoystiqSquare president doesn't expect 'big impact' from PS3 price cut until 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosfinal-fantasy-xiiips3-slimsquare-enixyoichi-wadaWed, 26 Aug 2009 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Key Square Enix, Media Molecule, Valve, Maxis staff keynoting Montreal game summit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/key-square-enix-media-molecule-valve-maxis-staff-keynoting-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/key-square-enix-media-molecule-valve-maxis-staff-keynoting-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/key-square-enix-media-molecule-valve-maxis-staff-keynoting-mo/#comments
The keynote speaker lineup for the Montreal International Game Summit 09 has been announced, and, fittingly, it's an international bunch. In fact, the Canadian event, which runs November 16 and 17, will be kicked off by Square Enix prez Yoichi Wada.

Other speakers announced include Paul Holden, lead architect at LittleBigPlanet dev Media Molecule; Chris Hecker, lead architect at EA Maxis; Valve's Jason Holtman, the bizdev exec who heads up Steam; and author slash NPR games contributor Heather Chaplin. It's Hecker who will wind up the event with a discussion titled, "Can video games be considered as cultural products in the same way as literature or theatre?" Yes, the "games as art debate" -- or at least one person's views on it.

JoystiqKey Square Enix, Media Molecule, Valve, Maxis staff keynoting Montreal game summit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-heckerheather-chaplinjason-holtmankeynotemaxismedia-moleculemontreal-international-game-summitmontreal-international-game-summit-09paul-holdensquare-enixvalveyoichi-wadaTue, 11 Aug 2009 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix 'considering' Dragon Quest IX localization sometime after April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/square-enix-considering-dragon-quest-ix-localization-sometime/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/square-enix-considering-dragon-quest-ix-localization-sometime/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/square-enix-considering-dragon-quest-ix-localization-sometime/#commentsHaving sold well over three million copies of Dragon Quest IX in Japan, isn't it the obvious choice for Square Enix to bring the hit RPG worldwide as soon as possible? Well, maaaaaaybe.

In an investor Q&A session, president Yoichi Wada said that the company is "considering" releasing DQIX overseas, according to Siliconera's translation, and still deciding which regions will receive it. And when Square Enix does get around to it, the company doesn't plan to release it anywhere until after April 2010, the start of the company's next fiscal year.

The Dragon Quest series, obviously, isn't as major anywhere else as it is in Japan, but Dragon Quest VIII sold around half a million copies in North America, which seems, at least ... worth the trouble.

JoystiqSquare Enix 'considering' Dragon Quest IX localization sometime after April originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9dragon-questDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSJRPGLevel-5Nintendorpgsquare-enixyoichi-wadaSun, 09 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII Japanese release date announce coming soon (seriously)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/final-fantasy-xiii-japanese-release-date-announce-coming-soon-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/final-fantasy-xiii-japanese-release-date-announce-coming-soon-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/final-fantasy-xiii-japanese-release-date-announce-coming-soon-s/#comments
We're not going on much here, so we'll give you the facts right up front -- Square Enix prez Yoichi Wada recently told IT Media regarding the release of Final Fantasy XIII that "We'll be making an announcement in a few weeks." As Kotaku reports, the unsurprisingly non-descript wording leads us to believe that the announcement in scheduled for late September's Tokyo Game Show.

Unfortunately, the rest of the planet will have to lay in wait as the release date will likely only be for the Japanese semi-exclusive PlayStation 3 version still set to drop this year. We'd like to take this time to thank Square Enix for not completely wasting our time (and more importantly, yours) with an arbitrary countdown that may or may not result in the release of actual information.

[Via Kotaku]

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII Japanese release date announce coming soon (seriously) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementfinal-fantasy-xiiiit-mediajapankotakurelease-datesquare-enixyoichi-wadaSat, 08 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix expects to ship 5 million copies of Dragon Quest IX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/square-enix-expects-to-ship-5-million-copies-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/square-enix-expects-to-ship-5-million-copies-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/square-enix-expects-to-ship-5-million-copies-of-dragon-quest-ix/#commentsLast week, Square Enix president Yoichi Wada gave a statement to Japanese press that helps illustrate the company's (justifiable) sales expectation for Dragon Quest IX. "We're looking at reaching over 5 million copies of Dragon Quest IX shipped," he said, as translated by Kotaku. With three million shipped in the game's first week, 2.3 million of which sold right away, five million seems conservative, and we can only assume Wada is referring only to shipments in Japan.

Somewhat less conservative is the forecast Wada made last year, of ten million units. While we have absolutely no doubt DQIX will break a record or two in Japan with the combination of Dragon Quest-level initial sales and DS-style longterm sales, that still seems optimistic.

JoystiqSquare Enix expects to ship 5 million copies of Dragon Quest IX originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9dragon-questDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixJRPGLevel-5Nintendorpgsalessquare-enixyoichi-wadaMon, 20 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoichi Wada suggests The Last Remnant may never make it to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/yoichi-wada-suggests-the-last-remnant-may-never-make-it-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/yoichi-wada-suggests-the-last-remnant-may-never-make-it-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/yoichi-wada-suggests-the-last-remnant-may-never-make-it-to-ps3/#comments
We hope you're not holding your breath for a PS3 release of The Last Remnant, Square Enix's uneven attempt at creating a game using Unreal Engine 3. The company's CEO, Yoichi Wada, made some choice comments during a recent shareholder meeting which lead us to believe it may never make it out on Sony's system. AndriaSang.com has summarized his comments, in which he states that "it's tough on the development side of things to say that you'll release a game on multiple platforms but end up not doing so, Square Enix has to think about profitability."

"If there's a gap in the release of multiple versions of a game, and if the first version didn't necessarily see such great success, they have to think that there won't be a change in performance on a new platform." No games in particular were mentioned, but only one really fits the bill. The Last Remnant was announced as a multiplatform title, saw low sales on the Xbox 360 in November 2008, and there's been no sign of a PS3 release since then. In the interest of "profitability" this game may simply be put to pasture, instead.

JoystiqYoichi Wada suggests The Last Remnant may never make it to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rpgsquare-enixthe-last-remnantyoichi-wadaWed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoichi Wada declares industry ready for the next stage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/yoichi-wada-declares-industry-ready-for-the-next-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/yoichi-wada-declares-industry-ready-for-the-next-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/yoichi-wada-declares-industry-ready-for-the-next-stage/#comments Great minds across the industry all seem to agree: Video games are heading into a new era. President of Square Enix, Yoichi Wada (pictured, right), has proven he too belongs to this school of thought, sharing his musings on the coming of a "second stage of growth" for the industry. Wada says it's a combination of the platform having stabilized as a mainstream form of entertainment and the leveling off of demand (as it's reached its limit), that will load gaming into the next level.

"From now on, it will grow further as an established mainstream entertainment, and there will be further convergence of media and entertainment," said Wada. With that in mind, we'd like to point out that proof of accelerated convergence is already happening in the industry. It looks like the gears are all set; all that's left is to turn them.

[Via Edge-Online]

JoystiqYoichi Wada declares industry ready for the next stage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosindustryphil-rogerssquare-enixyoichi-wadaFri, 29 May 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix considering further acquisitions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/square-enix-considering-further-acquisitions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/square-enix-considering-further-acquisitions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/square-enix-considering-further-acquisitions/#comments
Square Enix has one goal: Be a more global company. After recently acquiring Eidos (and leaving its identity intact), Square Enix has exhibited an appetite that's larger than we could have imagined. President Yoichi Wada told the Financial Times that the Eidos purchase really gave Square Enix "a good platform from which to expand," possibly opening the way to another acquisition.

Wada explained the necessity for more global expansion as one dictated by the Japanese market. He described Japan as a "closed environment," and with no fresh blood or ideas coming in, Square Enix is forced to look outward. And then there's the US market weighing in, which Wada said has seen strong growth over the years and become the biggest market for games, despite being behind Japan for many years.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqSquare Enix considering further acquisitions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitioneidossquare-enixthqyoichi-wadaTue, 28 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix admits to slow production pace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/square-enix-admits-to-slow-production-pace/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/square-enix-admits-to-slow-production-pace/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/square-enix-admits-to-slow-production-pace/#commentsEidos won't be releasing games before they're finished just to hit deadlines, according to Square Enix president Yoichi Wada. Wada told GamesIndustry.biz that alleviating worries like that was "what I hope to achieve for the entire group." However, he noted that Eidos's new parent company must also address a scheduling issue. "But we at Square Enix also have a problem - it takes too long for us to produce a game..."

Final Fantasy XIII, which just saw the release of its first demo, was announced at E3 2006. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers was announced at E3 2005, with details only now starting to be released.

Square Enix's problem seems to be based on conflicts between management and developers. "I personally believe that having a good cost performance and having a good quality game can co-exist - I think that this relationship is actually a positive one," Wada said. "But when you look to the creators they tend to think that if they're asked to pursue a better cost performance, they have to sacrifice quality."

JoystiqSquare Enix admits to slow production pace originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-Adventurecrystal-bearersdelayeidosffcc-crystal-bearersfinal-fantasy-xiiisquare-enixWiiyoichi-wadaMon, 27 Apr 2009 23:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix pres Yoichi Wada preaches platform neutrality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/square-enix-pres-yoichi-wada-preaches-platform-neutrality/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/square-enix-pres-yoichi-wada-preaches-platform-neutrality/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/square-enix-pres-yoichi-wada-preaches-platform-neutrality/#commentsFiled under: ,


Really, anyone old enough to remember Square's 1997 PlayStation debut with Final Fantasy VII - a franchise that had only existed on Nintendo platforms - shouldn't have been that shocked to see Square president Yoichi Wada sneak back onto the stage during Microsoft's E3 press conference to announce "one more thing": Final Fantasy XIII would be multi-platform.

Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, Wada said, "We always consider the territory and hardware for titles, and I just want to make sure that we're neutral about dealing with companies." Though he conceded that "in Japan ... the Xbox 360 isn't really that strong yet" he acknowledged that in "North America Microsoft is doing very well with its hardware." Sounds about right to us.

Throw in escalating development costs, and you've got a no-brainer. Wada sums it up: "We're now in the age of the multi-platform ... in order to offer our product to the vast majority of gamers we need to deal with multiple companies and platforms." Multiplatform third-party games are increasingly the norm; however, with certain "now-gen" Square Enix titles remaining selectively exclusive (think Infinite Undiscovery), we're not quite ready to call it for Final Fantasy Versus XIII.

JoystiqSquare Enix pres Yoichi Wada preaches platform neutrality originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Final-Fantasy-XIIIPS3SquareSquare-EnixXbox-360Yoichi-WadaTue, 29 Jul 2008 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix considering stakes in competing developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/square-enix-considering-stakes-in-competing-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/square-enix-considering-stakes-in-competing-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/square-enix-considering-stakes-in-competing-developers/#commentsFiled under: ,


Speaking at the Reuters Global Technology, Media and Telecoms Summit in Tokyo, Square Enix president Yoichi Wada has said that his company may decide to get cozy with rival developers. "Economies of scale and breadth of scope are getting important," he said. "It may be a business alliance or it may be us taking a stake in others, but we need to go beyond traditional Square Enix." In moving "beyond" the company's traditional situation, Wada also hopes to move farther beyond the borders of Japan and boost international games sales. Out of total software revenue, overseas sales currently comprise 50 percent -- and he'd rather have them at 80 percent.

By forming alliances with other companies and better heeding the desires of the international market (MOAR GUNZ PLZ), Square Enix would be better equipped to deal with steep competition, "not only from Japanese videogame companies but from game companies worldwide." Square Enix's The Last Remnant, which is planned for simultaneous release in the East and West, may be the first step towards that goal.

JoystiqSquare Enix considering stakes in competing developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JapanSquare-EnixThe-Last-RemnantYoichi-WadaTue, 20 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix aiming for simultaneous game releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/square-enix-aiming-for-simultaneous-game-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/square-enix-aiming-for-simultaneous-game-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/square-enix-aiming-for-simultaneous-game-releases/#commentsFiled under:

One thing that we constantly gripe about is localization. There are many games that we'll never see translated, and the ones that do make it over often take (what seems like) forever. Our mothers always told us that patience is a virtue, but as far as we're concerned, patience can take a hike.

Maybe we're natural born whiners, or maybe companies like Square Enix just like to torture us by releasing games in Japan so much earlier than they do in rest of the world. Take, for example, Final Fantasy IV and Dragon Quest IV, which have been out in Japan for months and not even announced for localization. We also have The World Ends With You, which is coming to America and Europe in April, although it was released in Japan last July. It's understandable because most Squeenix games are text-heavy RPGs, but it's still not fun to wait, nonetheless.

The company is trying to cut down on its localization times, however, and Square Enix's president Yoichi Wada is aiming for simultaneous worldwide releases. In fact, he said that the company would be "making simultaneous releases the norm." While it's hard for us not to laugh out loud and praise Wada for making such a funny joke, we think he's actually serious.

Does that mean it will happen? Probably not. But we appreciate any effort by the company to shorten the waiting time for those of us who don't live in Japan.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqSquare Enix aiming for simultaneous game releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>localizationreleasesquare-enixyoichi-wadaTue, 11 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix commits to simultaneous worldwide releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/square-enix-commits-to-simultaneous-worldwide-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/square-enix-commits-to-simultaneous-worldwide-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/square-enix-commits-to-simultaneous-worldwide-releases/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you listen closely to the lifestream you can hear Square Enix's legions of fans singing in unison as company president Yoichi Wada recently confirmed an aim to make simultaneous worldwide game releases "the norm."

The timing of the comment, made to Japan's Nihon Keizan Shimbun daily, is particularly interesting following reaffirmation of the company's plans for Western expansion. However, it remains unclear when the RPG powerhouse plans to put Wada's plan into effect, or if his ambition even includes the company's two most hotly anticipated releases in Final Fantasy XIII and Dragon Quest IX. Still, assuming that he'll be able to make good on his claim, role-playing enthusiasts will have to find something else to complain about other than Japan getting to play everything first.

JoystiqSquare Enix commits to simultaneous worldwide releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>square-enixyoichi-wadaTue, 11 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoichi Wada on PS3: "My phone is more expensive"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/yoichi-wada-on-ps3-my-phone-is-more-expensive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/yoichi-wada-on-ps3-my-phone-is-more-expensive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/yoichi-wada-on-ps3-my-phone-is-more-expensive/#commentsFiled under:

Yoichi Wada is the main man behind operations at Square Enix. In official terms, he's the president. So what's he think about the current state of consoles? Specifically, what's his thought on the PS3? Our subject line gives you a hint but we'll talk a bit more about it. Wada feels that Sony isn't expressing the use of the PS3 appropriately; Sony isn't explaining what kind of games they have for what kind of consumer. We know, we know ... it's hard to really dissect all the things the PS3 can do and target certain markets for each feature.

Wada feels the PS3's price cuts will bring an improvement in sales, but he thinks the console is too cheap for what you get. He claims his phone is more expensive than the PS3, but nobody complains about that. He goes on again to tell Sony to better position their console -- get the right message out instead of focusing on the price. Or something. There's a lot more information in the interview regarding the state of video gaming as well as what Wada and Square Enix think about where the future may take us. It's worth reading, but we'll stop here as the PS3 info has dried up.

JoystiqYoichi Wada on PS3: "My phone is more expensive" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>square-enixyoichi-wadaWed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix prez sees goals clearly, PS3 fuzzy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/square-enix-prez-sees-goals-clearly-ps3-fuzzy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/square-enix-prez-sees-goals-clearly-ps3-fuzzy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/square-enix-prez-sees-goals-clearly-ps3-fuzzy/#commentsFiled under:

ps3
As Square Enix president Yoichi Wada spoke with CNET Japan, we borrowed Engadget Japan's Ittousai and listened in. While Wada defined the Square Enix vision as a 5-year plan to be a Top 3 worldwide publisher (currently ranked 11th by Game Developer), he's still having trouble seeing where Sony is going with PlayStation 3. "Is it a game console for gamers or a high-performance consumer electronics machine?" Wada wondered. "I really want [Sony] to make a clear decision."

As for Square Enix's own business plan, Wada doesn't want loyalists to think the company will water down its franchises to appeal to a broader market, though recent releases would suggest otherwise. When questioned about Square Enix's reliance on Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest (including a recycling campaign and string of simplified spin-offs), Wada countered with numbers, claiming that the two franchises accounted for less than half of the company's revenues. His defense suggested that fans' demands for new installments were the reason Square Enix dedicates 60% of development resources to existing IPs. Want something new? Quit with the death threats and love notes.

JoystiqSquare Enix prez sees goals clearly, PS3 fuzzy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>square-enixSquareEnixyoichi-wadaYoichiWadaWed, 05 Dec 2007 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix thinks Sony needs to define their console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/square-enix-thinks-sony-needs-to-define-their-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/square-enix-thinks-sony-needs-to-define-their-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/square-enix-thinks-sony-needs-to-define-their-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yoichi Wada is the CEO of Square Enix, making him a very important spokesperson for the company -- especially their well-established Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest franchises (the latter formerly under Enix's care). Wada took some time to speak with CNet Japan about the latest generation of consoles. Besides saying that the PS3 is a media hub and a gaming console, he noted that only the Xbox 360 has appropriately touted itself as a gaming machine. The Wii, he says, well, "people aren't buying the Wii as a game machine, but as a toy." His comment about the PS3 was meant to say the system hasn't clearly defined what it is and that it should, soon.

He also goes on to say that Square Enix isn't just a DQ and FF company -- Wada says they make so many of those games because "... people keep asking for new installments." It's not entirely relevant to the PS3, but Square Enix is making a lot of fresh IPs in the coming year aside from the next entries in their beloved franchises. With his attitude, though, he seems hesitant to put them on the PS3. Hopefully people will understand that the PS3 is a gaming console, but has the capacity to be so much more. It's not confusing; it's just hard to believe it can do so much.

[via Kotaku]

JoystiqSquare Enix thinks Sony needs to define their console originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-questfinal-fantasysquare-enixyoichi-wadaWed, 05 Dec 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix loves handhelds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/square-enix-loves-handhelds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/square-enix-loves-handhelds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/square-enix-loves-handhelds/#commentsFiled under:

Yoichi Wada, head of Square Enix, believes that handhelds are the way to go, at least until the next generation settles down somewhat. Wada told the Financial Times "There is a new breed of gamers in the market - we have to make games for all kinds of people." Which means, of course, the DS.

It should be no surprise that the company has a lot of faith in portable systems, since their flagship franchise has moved to the DS. Still, it is a little unusual for Wada to publicly speak against next-gen systems with so many important Square Enix games headed to the PS3. "There are too many specs - and you also need a high-definition TV, a broadband connection and a deep knowledge of gaming - these consoles are mismatched to today's environment. In a year or two years they will fare better."

JoystiqSquare Enix loves handhelds originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendonintendo dssquare-enixwadayoichi-wadaMon, 11 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST