The new medium-term business plan (FY2025/3-FY2027/3) from Square Enix suggests a major move in the direction of a multiplatform approach. Let’s examine the main ideas:
- Multiplatform Focus: Square Enix plans to aggressively pursue a multiplatform approach, including releases on Nintendo platforms, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This could potentially see future Final Fantasy titles released on Xbox for the first time.
- Reaching New Audiences: In order to maximize accessibility and potentially improve revenue, AAA titles and well-known brands like Final Fantasy may receive multiplatform releases, as mentioned in the stated purpose to “build an environment where more customers can enjoy our titles.”
- Expanding Beyond Consoles: A platform strategy for downloadable content (SD titles) is also planned, including PC launches alongside existing mobile platforms (iOS and Android). This further emphasizes Square Enix’s desire to expand its audience.
Potential Impact on User Base
Square Enix hasn’t revealed any titles for their multiplatform strategy, but these provide a few possibilities about the kind of user base they might be able to attract:
| Platform | Estimated Monthly Active Users (MAU) | Units Sold | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation | Approximately 123 million | – | Statistica |
| Xbox | Roughly 120 million | – | DemandSage |
| Switch | – | Over 122.5 million | Nintendo |
| PC | Over 30 million concurrent users at peak times | – | Steam Database (only) |
Notes:
- Switch user base figures are not publicly available.
- PC user base figures from Steam represent a portion of the total PC gaming audience.
Possible Multiplatform Square Enix AAA Titles
As part of their new multiplatform approach, Square Enix may release several of their AA / AAA titles (some are currently exclusive to the PlayStation) on other platforms:
| Title | Currently Available On | Potentially Available On (Under New Strategy) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy | PlayStation | Xbox, Nintendo platforms, PC |
| Kingdom Hearts | PlayStation | Xbox, Nintendo platforms, PC |
| Tomb Raider | PlayStation, PC | Xbox, Switch |
| Just Cause | PlayStation, PC | Xbox, Switch |
| Outriders | PlayStation, Xbox, PC | Switch |
| Deus Ex: Human Revolution & Deus Ex: Mankind Divided | PlayStation, Xbox, PC | Switch |
| Sleeping Dogs | PlayStation, Xbox, PC | Switch |
| Hitman Series | PlayStation, Xbox, PC | Switch |
| Life is Strange Series | PlayStation, Xbox, PC | Switch |
Notes:
- All the games listed are published by Square Enix, but not all are necessarily developed by them.
- Availability information is based on current platforms and the potential of Square Enix’s new multiplatform strategy.
What it Means
A multiplatform strategy could significantly increase Square Enix’s sales and user base. It seems that fans of Xbox and other systems may eventually get to play these games, with popular titles like Final Fantasy and the aforementioned games perhaps making their way to other platforms. We’re still waiting for Square Enix to formally declare which games and platforms.
