Summary
- Square Enix partners with TBS Games to develop new MMORPG IP to boost profits post-net profit decline
- Fans have been disappointed by the lack of game announcements, cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link this year
- The new IP will target a global audience, leveraging Square Enix and TBS strengths and generating excitement among fans.
Square Enix has announced a new game in collaboration with TBS Games, a subsidiary of Japan's TBS television network. Earlier in 2024, Square Enix reported a decline in net profit, which was largely attributed to the lack of high-performing titles. And now, this unexpected partnership appears to be a move to turn things around.
Despite Square Enix's extensive catalog of iconic games, fans have been waiting to hear more game announcements or at least a fuller release slate for 2025. So far, those expectations have remained unmet, and to make matters worse, the Japanese developer recently canceled a title that could've launched this year: Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link. Still, the company seems ready to move on and wasted no time announcing what will likely take the canceled mobile game's place.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Makes a Strong Case for Kingdom Hearts Including Non-Square Enix RPGs
If Kingdom Hearts ever needed a reason to include games other than those of Square Enix RPGs, then Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would be the best one.
As reported by Famitsu Japan, Square Enix officially revealed it's teaming up with TBS Games to develop a new original IP. While specific details haven't been shared, there's strong speculation that the project could be an MMORPG. Supporting this theory is the fact that Square Enix's Japan studio is currently hiring a project manager and a server system engineer with experience in massively multiplayer online games. Another possibility is a mobile game, given TBS Games' focus on interactive apps based on TBS programming. However, that seems less likely, as the announcement hints at a project of a much larger scale.
Square Enix's New IP Could Be an MMORPG
An interesting detail about the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link may be linked to Square Enix's new IP. The mobile game was reportedly shelved due to concerns over its long-term sustainability. According to some rumors, this decision was driven by the company's intent to reallocate resources toward its upcoming MMORPG project, making the cancellation a strategic move in light of its broader development plans.
Fans should keep in mind that Square Enix has yet to officially reveal any major details about its next big project. So far, the announcement only confirms a few key points: the new IP will target a global audience, not just Japan, and it will combine the strengths of both companies, Square Enix's expertise in video games and TBS's background in television, to deliver an immersive experience. While these details don't reveal much about the nature of the upcoming game, they've still been enough to generate excitement among fans. Many are eagerly awaiting more information, hopeful that this new project could be the missing piece Square Enix needs to regain its footing.
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts 4 is an action RPG developed by Square Enix and represents the fifteenth installment in the franchise. Players once again are put in the shoes of Sora who is suddenly trapped in a more realistic world called Quadratum, with companions like Donald and Goofy attempting to rescue him. Kingdom Hearts 4 is a direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory.
