Square Enix is shifting, “focus to online games with variable valuation models for its overseas studios, and accelerated production of mobile games for its Japanese studios.” therefore things like a free-to-play legacy of Kainturn out. Presumably this has something to do with Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn’s unexpected success. That re-launch appears to be one among the few things the company has gotten right lately.
Square Enix USA and Europe CEO Phil Rogers has told Games Industry that “games as a service” does not resonate well with plenty of players, qualifying that, “For us online is a way to facilitate how we’re watching the word service to build on a game, so we’re specializing in regular content updates, engaging gameplay mechanics, replayability and deep community.”
Rogers additionally noted that, “Our AAA console games…are a significant a part of our future strategy,” although he was clear that they have to, “work quicker to lessen the time from development to release.” Whether or not which means less meaty releases followed by DLC streams remains to be seen.