Square Enix Revenue and Profit Rise, as Publisher Sees "Major Changes" Coming

Final Fantasy and Tomb Raider publisher Square Enix has reported earnings for the six-month period ended September 30--and the results were strong. During that period, revenue jumped by 18.1 percent to ¥86.4 billion, compared to ¥73.1 billion during the same period last year. Net income was ¥7.3 billion, compared to ¥5.7 billion a year ago.

Square Enix's video game division, which it calls Digital Entertainment, was the company's overall top performer. It generated the lion's share of revenue, coming in at ¥60.2 billion, compared to ¥43.8 billion during the same period last year.

Top performing titles during the quarter included PC browser game Sengoku Ixa, as well as smartphone titles such as Dragon Quest Monsters Super Light, Schoolgirl Strikers, Final Fantasy Record Keeper, and Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur. Square Enix said Mobius Final Fantasy also made an "encouraging start."

In addition, MMOs Final Fantasy XIV and Dragon Quest X have been "making favorable performances." It wasn't all good news for Square Enix, however, as catalog sales (re-sales of previously released games) declined.

Looking ahead, Square Enix said the environment surrounding its various business units (Square Enix also has Amusement, Publication, and Merchandising units) is undergoing "major changes."

"Smartphones and tablet PCs are spreading rapidly, while the console game markets in North America and Europe are increasingly getting competitive and oligopolistic," it said. "In light of such environmental changes, the Group is focusing all efforts on establishment of a solid revenue foundation through introduction of flexible content development conforming to the ever-changing environment as well as diversification of profit opportunities."

Some of Square Enix's biggest upcoming games include Just Cause 3, Final Fantasy XV, Hitman, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and Rise of the Tomb Raider, which it is producing in partnership with Microsoft. A new Legacy of Kain game for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 could also happen someday.