Square Enix has revealed it is working on a new “framework” to achieve its goal of speeding up the release of key franchise entries such as Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.
Speaking during its latest financial report, the publisher revealed it has made “steady progress” on this framework, which is hopes will reduce the length of time between game releases and help boost the frequency of titles launching on multiple platforms. Many of Square Enix’s game releases in key franchises such as Final Fantasy can take years to arrive, such as the seven-year gap between Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XVI. It’s also been nine years since the launch of a new Dragon Age game.
Square Enix noted that part of this strategy is adopting a “quality over quantity” approach to development, which will see the publisher focus on fewer, quality titles with larger budgets. It’s also putting more attention on multiform releases instead of opting for timed exclusives, so well games arrive on PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.
During periods of waiting for the next major numbered entry in a franchise, Square Enix plans to plug the gap with remasters, remakes, spin-offs, and expansions. We’ve already seen plenty examples of this with the likes of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Dragon Quest III HD Remake, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles.
Beyond that, Square Enix has also been busy with the Final Fantasy VII Remake project for over a decade now, with the first chapter announced in 2015 and launching five years later. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth followed in 2024, and the third and final game in the remake project is currently in development and will hopefully be announced later this year.
[Source – Game Observer]