Square Enix Making Experimental New IP

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Mar 22, 2015
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Square Enix is host to a number of the most well-known intellectual properties in the video game industry. The publishing powerhouse is responsible for the long-lasting Final Fantasy series, as well as the resurgent Tomb Raider franchise. Meanwhile, Square Enix is also working on Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, the latest installment in the stealth-focused cyberpunk series.

Some might say that the Square Enix moniker is synonymous with longevity, with the company hanging on to popular franchises through numerous sequels. That’s not to say, however, that Square Enix is not focused on new properties. Indeed, recent reports have revealed that the publisher is currently looking at a new IP, and one that aims to land on the experimental side of gaming.

The news was revealed by Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda in a financial results briefing for the most recent fiscal year. According to Matsuda, the new IP forms part of the company’s ongoing business strategy, and Square Enix will aim to emulate the success of its previous properties. As it stands, news about the project is thin on the ground, but Matsuda has stated that the new IP will be “experimental” in nature.

Aside from that slight crumb of information, however, Matsuda remained silent about the project, stating that he could not “disclose much at this moment” surrounding the new IP. “We are working on a various initiatives,” continued Matsuda, “including some experimental projects.” Gamers looking forward to more news may not have that long to wait, however, as Square Enix is planning to show off a number of new games during a private conference at E3 this year – although Final Fantasy XV will not be there.

The new project was not the only aspect of the business that Matsuda wished to discuss, however. The president also revealed larger strategies and policies surrounding growth in the company. According to the briefing, Square Enix will plan to focus on “strengthening and rebooting” existing franchises, with plans to release titles for both home consoles and handheld smart devices. Indeed, this can be seen in action with the publisher’s upcoming release lineup, with Final Fantasy XV, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and a brand new Hitman game in the pipeline.

It will be interesting to see what this “experimental” nature to the project means, but fans will no doubt speculate on just what Square Enix plans to create. Given that Matsuda has expressed an interest in virtual reality, going as far as to say that Square Enix is “monitoring” the VR industry and “considering various initiatives” with the technology, could this new IP use virtual reality in some way? Only time may tell, but with E3 just around the corner, hopefully fans will not have to wait too long. In the meantime, there’s always Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and the new Final Fantasy to keep them occupied.