feynoob
Member
That money could be used on improving their games. Instead it went to the wrong investment.
They could have hired better writers and keep an eye on their studios.
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Square Enix: Forspoken Sales Were Lackluster, Many Small and Mid Games Underperformed
They could have hired better writers and keep an eye on their studios.
dreamstation
Member
ProtoByte
Member
The thing you're missing with this strawman is that the games have to be good.
This game didn't turn out well, and it wasn't exclusive to PS5 anyway. It launched on PC too.
FF7R was actually exclusive to PS4, and it did turn out well. Because the game is good. The same will most likely occur as it pertains to FF16.
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Imo, the releases of their smaller games were totally mismanaged. There is nothing wrong with making games like Diofield, Harvestella, and more. Neither is making remakes. pricing was also a biyt off. These kinds of games should be released in between big releases, like for example, you release FFXVI, and then the schedule is empty for some months. In this case, let us assume that FFXVI turns out good. THAT is the time to capitalize on momentum and release smaller games, until your next big thing is coming up, in my example case FFVIIR2. Release more smaller games, and so on.
They just released, low budget game after low budget game. Star Ocean 6 was made on a shoestring budget. Romancing SaGa Remaster (a game I love) is a niche game, Diofield is decent, harvestella is supposed to be good. Stranger of Paradise is certainly a game that could have benefited to release before XVI, and maybe have a demo included. There are many things that could have been done, but to rely solely on "smaller" games released in such a short time span isn't really feasible, which they learned the hard way.
They just released, low budget game after low budget game. Star Ocean 6 was made on a shoestring budget. Romancing SaGa Remaster (a game I love) is a niche game, Diofield is decent, harvestella is supposed to be good. Stranger of Paradise is certainly a game that could have benefited to release before XVI, and maybe have a demo included. There are many things that could have been done, but to rely solely on "smaller" games released in such a short time span isn't really feasible, which they learned the hard way.
Gobjuduck
Member
ff16 and rebirth won’t satisfy their sales expectations.
There was lol.
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RickMasters
Member
Well...they wanted to focus on their main platform to optimise the quality of the game.... Companies need to stop using that excuse only to end up turning out a dud...and apparently there aint enough of us xbox gamers playing their games (I own lots or sqareenix games in my backlog, but Im just one guy) I might have tried this out on GP, but based on the reviews Im glad they never wasted our time with this one. Still holding out for a port of octopath traveller 2. I loved the first game. and that FF pixel remaster would complete my FF collection on xbox.
Mobile Suit Gooch
Grundle: The Awakening
Sounds like they need to lower their output while even lowering their expectations
Fuz
Member
Fucking snitch.
Fuz
Member
I agree with youHopefully, they'll go belly up they deserve it for what they did to FF starting with X. Don't @ me and yes I'm triggered.
CamHostage
Member
That's what I'm more worried about in the future of Square Enix. Having a swing-and-a-miss on an original mainstream title happens for big companies, usually they just keep making them (and lean in on the cornerstone franchises when original titles don't hit) until something hits or it all goes wrong. These little games, though, they need to work to keep coming. Square Enix taking chances and experimenting outside of the FF/DQ brands is something I have wanted for a long time, but if they continue to fail, they'll not do these again.
I can't say that the strategy of releases or design has really been the needed formula to support these games, so the failures are not outside of understanding. (And if Square no longer has the ability to find/cultivate JRPG fans like it did in its stronger days, is there really a success to wish for?) However, I appreciate these boutique efforts, particularly the Final Fantasy & Dragons Quest series shift away from their traditional gameplay styles to court mainstream audiences.
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Gambit2483
Member
Icymanipulator
Member
Well hope that means it will go on sale soon.
YukiOnna
Member
And it took a while to get back to that after these kinds of titles were pretty much missing under late Yoichi Wada era and instead getting those weird globalization titles. It's almost criminal how little exposure TWEWY 2 got, Steam release was the definition of a sleeper release. I hope it doesn't go back to just FF, DQ, KH spin-offs and they actually evaluate how they release and market these titles. Bravely Default team/Team Asano is a reliable brand and team that release good stuff, for example, would suck to lose that.
mckmas8808
Mckmaster uses MasterCard to buy Slave drives
It kinda seems like all the new ways to make money for people have just BOMBED over the last 2 years.
- Crypto
- NFTs
- GAAS
Doom85
Member
First of all, 69?
Secondly, Tri-Ace announced later after 6’s release that they were hiring, so clearly the game must have sold enough to help them out as from what I understand they had been struggling before 6 came out.
Mibu no ookami
Member
First of all, 69?
Secondly, Tri-Ace announced later after 6’s release that they were hiring, so clearly the game must have sold enough to help them out as from what I understand they had been struggling before 6 came out.
They need to reboot the franchise and put some actual resources into it.
They should do it with most of their franchises. Build off of those reboots.
Give up their obsession with FF7 (one of my favorite games mind you)
Schmendrick
Member
Deserved
TheInfamousKira
Reseterror Resettler
So let me get this straight...
I just closed an entire studio...
With my mind?!
I just closed an entire studio...
With my mind?!
StreetsofBeige
Member
I think part of the problem with Square's games having sales issues is due to them being pigeon holed as JRPG makers. Probably better if management just accepts it and guns for FF, DQ, Octopath and whatever other traditional games they make.
Doing all these indie budget card games, Forspoken, Balan, Babylons Fall, Avengers, GOTG etc.... arent the types they are known for. It also doesn't help that many get lousy reviews too. I dont think sales of any of these games are great. Look at all the money they spent on these games.
I totally get they are trying to expand their portfolio with all kinds of games, including GAAS, and upcoming Blockchain based games, but sometimes you just to focus on what you're good at.
A lot of game companies now have consolidated their portfolio to make games within a narrow focus. Ya, you got EA making all kinds of games, Embracer or that THQ group with a shit load of studios making different stuff etc... but if you dont have the talent or expertise, dont spread thin on games.
Doing all these indie budget card games, Forspoken, Balan, Babylons Fall, Avengers, GOTG etc.... arent the types they are known for. It also doesn't help that many get lousy reviews too. I dont think sales of any of these games are great. Look at all the money they spent on these games.
I totally get they are trying to expand their portfolio with all kinds of games, including GAAS, and upcoming Blockchain based games, but sometimes you just to focus on what you're good at.
A lot of game companies now have consolidated their portfolio to make games within a narrow focus. Ya, you got EA making all kinds of games, Embracer or that THQ group with a shit load of studios making different stuff etc... but if you dont have the talent or expertise, dont spread thin on games.
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John Wick
Member
Where are you getting this game was part developed by Sony? This game was developed by LS and marketed by SE.
Yeah this game will go on Sony's PS plus service.
FunkMiller
Member
Sounds like firing that dumbass at the top is a good move for the company.
FoxMcChief
Member
Of course this games sales were lackluster. Did they play the demo?
StreetsofBeige
Member
I dont know how good or bad their finances are, but the temptation is too great for GAAS and now upcoming blockchain games. Looks like they'll keep gunning for it till they find a successful game.
Like all game companies, they see the giant revenue streams from GAAS and mtx, so might as well jump on the train.
No doubt they have detailed industry info about all the $$$ COD, Fortnite, GTAV online etc.... So got to carve out a slice of that pie too.
Like all game companies, they see the giant revenue streams from GAAS and mtx, so might as well jump on the train.
No doubt they have detailed industry info about all the $$$ COD, Fortnite, GTAV online etc.... So got to carve out a slice of that pie too.
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TheDarkPhantom
Member
I bought Diofield and Tactics Ogre day 1, Forspoken demo convinced me not to pick it up, will play it if it comes to PS+ *maybe*. FF16 will be a monster, they need to officially announce FF Tactics remaster, FFVII games will pull in lots of $$$.
I will say I appreciate Square putting out myriad games and providing demos for most of them.
I will say I appreciate Square putting out myriad games and providing demos for most of them.
CatLady
Selfishly plays on Xbox Purr-ies X
Square is a mess. They basically gave away their 2 best studios and great IPs for next to nothing. I have NO interest in anything from Square Enix these days.
I wish Xbox hadn't been screwing around with ABK and got Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal instead.
kiphalfton
Member
Crappy games should underperform.
If they don't, then it reinforces that devs can release subpar games and get away with it.
If they don't, then it reinforces that devs can release subpar games and get away with it.
xrnzaaas
Member
Sucks for Tactics Ogre and other genuinely good games. Forspoken should be a lesson for them how NOT to make a new IP.
By the way, were they ever publicly satisfied with the sales? Something tells me they're going to moan about FF16 and FF7-2 underperforming as well.
By the way, were they ever publicly satisfied with the sales? Something tells me they're going to moan about FF16 and FF7-2 underperforming as well.
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BennyBlanco
aka IMurRIVAL69
I bought Tactics Ogre and Octopath 2. Their AA stuff has been way better and more interesting than their AAA tentpole releases to me. I have hope for FFXVI but I could easily see that being a shitshow as well.
BennyBlanco
aka IMurRIVAL69
Not to mention IO who might be the best devs out of anyone mentioned in this thread. Hitman trilogy is a legit modern masterpiece.
DenchDeckard
Member
MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
Might be better if they stuck to AA games that have engaging gameplay and story as opposed to AAA garbage? I have no doubt that FFVII-2 Part 2 and FFXVI: Asura's Wrath will do great but beyond that I don't think they can make million dollar budget games that will sell. Bigger isn't better.
I'm sure the woke pandering and obnoxious system specs wasn't doing itself any favors. Game was sent out to die at the firing range.
I'm sure the woke pandering and obnoxious system specs wasn't doing itself any favors. Game was sent out to die at the firing range.
Satansblade
Member
If Whedon had written Forspoken, it would have a much better story than this trash.
adamsapple
Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
Satansblade
Member
No, they sold the American trash nobody wants them to focus on. CBU3 and the FF7 teams are by far their best studios, and always were.
Satansblade
Member
No, no they didn’t. The FF7 team, the DQ team and CBU3 are far and away their best teams. They sold off the American studios nobody cared about. Crystal Dynamics has done nothing good, nor has luminous. Im surprised they sold Tomb Raider, but whatever.
The strength of SE has always been their Japanese arm.
Azurro
Member
As far as I remember, almost all of those really high sales expectations came from Eidos titles, Tomb Raider, Avengers and such. Could be the reason why they got rid of them, they were probably too expensive for the revenue they were producing.
NeoIkaruGAF
Member
It’s kind of a series of self-fulfilling prophecies for SE at this point.
They do a lot of RPGs still. BUT, people only really want FF and KH from them, so that’s where the big money goes. The rest of their games have to do with limited tech and budgets and virtually zero marketing, of course nobody knows about them. Plus, the smaller games aren’t what people expect from SE, so they review poorly and people are all too eager to call them trash even without having played them.
I hope SE keep diversifying their portfolio. Otherwise we wouldn’t even have the good smaller stuff like Octopath or Teatrhythm and we’d be stuck with FF (far from its highs at this point), the joke that KH has become, and their west-pandering shit. The industry needs a big publisher doing smaller stuff. The quality you get from a B-tier SE game is still netter than what you get from indies on average.
Shits_McGiggles
Member
I was under the impression that Tactics Ogre was at least a modest success. There is nothing to suggest that it is one of the games that underperformed.
I'm hoping that Front Mission 1st was a modest success. That should be ported to PC and other consoles.
I'm hoping that Front Mission 1st was a modest success. That should be ported to PC and other consoles.
DenchDeckard
Member
I'll pick up octopath 2 at something but I never played the first....too many great rpgs and too little time.
lyan
Member
The release window mess is probably because most of these smaller titles are not developed by their own teams and some needed more time. Then for reasons like cash flow they got released altogether.
Probably, but it causes fatigue with players.
They released 35+ games in 26 months.
I got 12 of those titles. I may get up to 6 more of those. There isn't time for all of their stuff.
Woopah
Member
If anything it's the exact opposite. SE has discovered that their remakes and remasters do pretty well while their new IPs underperformed.