Square Enix is once again at the center of a major shift in the gaming industry. The boundaries between consoles are fading, and the focus is no longer just on exclusive titles, but on how services, accessibility, and global reach define a platform’s identity. And now, one of PlayStation’s oldest and most iconic partners is changing direction.
Known for legendary series like Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, NieR, and Dragon Quest; Square Enix has long been considered one of Sony’s strongest allies: A cornerstone of the PlayStation brand for nearly three decades. However, that relationship is no longer exclusive. The company has officially confirmed that it’s leaving behind its single-platform focus and adopting a multiplatform strategy to reach a wider audience around the world.
In its latest investor presentation, Square Enix stated:
“Starting in fiscal year 2025, we have initiated multiplatform expansion projects for our existing IPs. This allows each franchise’s fan base to continue growing steadily.”
This means the publisher no longer plans to release its biggest titles only on PS5. Instead, future projects are expected to launch simultaneously across PC, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms, signaling a dramatic change in its development and publishing philosophy.
The reasoning behind this shift is clear. In recent years, PlayStation exclusives such as Forspoken and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth struggled to meet internal sales expectations, performing below forecasts despite major marketing pushes. Square Enix’s financial report reflects this trend, noting that while the PS5’s market share is expected to gradually decline, overall revenue stability can be maintained through a multiplatform approach.
For Sony, this decision could mark the end of an era. The “Square Enix equals PlayStation” equation that defined generations of gamers may soon become history. For Square Enix, however, it’s a strategic evolution, an effort to ensure its biggest franchises grow beyond one ecosystem and reach fans everywhere.
This move is also part of a broader industry trend. As publishers chase larger audiences and recurring revenue, exclusivity is becoming the exception rather than the rule. Square Enix’s pivot may be the clearest sign yet that the old console war lines are blurring into a unified, cross-platform future.
But there’s one big question left hanging in the air: Will this transformation dilute PlayStation’s legacy as the home of Japanese RPGs, or usher in a new era of freedom and accessibility for Square Enix’s beloved worlds? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to both X and VGNW for the latest updates.
