Square Enix has released their 2021 financial report for the nine-month period that ended on December 31, 2021, which paints a positive picture for the Japanese developer and publisher overall during the last year. Both revenue and profit rose for the company, owing heavily to the success of Final Fantasy XIV last year which was so popular in the leadup to the newest expansion Endwalker that digital codes needed to be turned off twice.
During this period in 2021, Square Enix brought in around 273.6 billion yen, which translates to about $2.4 billion in the U.S. dollar, which was an increase of 7.8 percent over the 253.6 billion yen the company brought in over the same period in 2020. Operating income also rose around 21 percent, from 41 billion yen to 50.1 billion yen.
The company went on to specify to investors that while they saw an increase in profits in the MMO sub-segment, handled by the company’s digital entertainment division, they saw a decrease in profits from their “HD Games” Sub-segment. Included in this are games like Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Outriders, and Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
The prior year Square Enix released the first part of their long-awaited Final Fantasy VII Remake, as well as Marvel’s Avengers to name a few. According to this report, those games were ultimately more profitable across the board, though how much profit Final Fantasy VII Remake accounts for is not made clear.
Last year Final Fantasy XIV had its last year since it initially launched, which builds on the upward momentum it has had for years. With all this success it is hard to remember that the game initially launched to critical panning, with the team behind it being forced to completely revamp and re-release it. Based on recent statements, they intend to carry this success into the future with new content coming across 2022 and 2023.
Square Enix also has big projects still to discuss this year. Final Fantasy XVI, the next mainline game in the series being directed by Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida, has remained quiet since it was announced by has been suggested to get a showcase in 2022. Similarly, it was hinted that Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 2 will also be shown in 2022.
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Includes several titles.
Which was showcased at E3 2003.