Square Enix: "We’re not abandoning core console and PC games"

Phil Rogers, CEO for Square Enix Europe and America, has spoken out about the publisher’s platform priorities going forward.

In an official blog post – in which he confirms a next-gen Tomb Raider sequel – the exec states the firm is categorically "not abandoning core, triple-A console and PC games".

He said his comments were in response to "speculation and commentary made this year about Square Enix’s strategy in the Americas and Europe" – no doubt partly referring to the mixed reaction to iOS title Deus Ex: The Fall, a title many expected would be a retail sequel.

Last week, Eidos Montreal boss Stephane D’Astous quit because of Square Enix’s "lack of leadership, lack of courage and lack of communication".

"I know we’ve not outwardly comment or addressed [our strategy], so some folk may be confused about what we’re actually doing," he wrote.

"First and foremost, we are a games company and today we devote most of our time and effort into developing new and rich gameplay experiences, worlds and characters.

"At the same time new business models have risen up, which we periodically will try to explore. I know this can be frustrating for some long-time fans of our games, particularly if it seems that we’re heading in unfamiliar directions without much in the way of explanation. Explaining our approach to these opportunities is something we’re working to improve on.

"That said, we need to experiment and adapt or it’s likely we won’t always be in a position to keep investing in the ways we need, to build-out our games and offer excellence to you, our gamers."

Rogers went on to explain that Square Enix is "working hard at improving how we develop and release games", starting with studio restructuring.

All of the publisher’s studios have recently been reorganised, taking administrative duties away from studio heads so that they can focus on production.

"We believe this will improve not only the quality of our games, but also improve the time between releases," Rogers added.

He also emphasised the number of games the publisher has in production, including the new Tomb Raider, Thief, Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III.

The CEO promised to "share a fuller title release plan soon", which will include next-gen core titles, tablet and mobile games and online-only PC games.