⚔️ Square Enix
Quick Summary
Square Enix was formed by the 2003 merger of Squaresoft (Final Fantasy) and Enix (Dragon Quest) — combining the two most influential JRPG dynasties in history into one company.
Key Franchises
| Franchise | Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy | Squaresoft | One of the defining JRPG series; FF7 Remake series ongoing |
| Dragon Quest | Enix | Japan’s “national RPG” — DQ series is a national holiday |
| Kingdom Hearts | Square | Disney + Final Fantasy crossover RPG |
| NieR / Nier:Automata | Square Enix / PlatinumGames | Philosophical action RPG; cult hit turned mainstream |
| Chrono Trigger | Squaresoft | Widely considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made |
The Strategic Pivot Problem
Square Enix has faced strategic criticism for:
- Overinvesting in NFT/blockchain projects (later abandoned after fan backlash)
- Selling Western studios (Eidos Interactive, Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider IP) in 2022 for $300M
- Perceived decline of mid-tier IP investment