Final Fantasy XIV may not have struck the chord that Square Enix was looking for, and a quick discussion with beta players is a good indicator that the game’s lackluster launch and subsequently indefinitely delayed PS3 release and subscription halt are on no one’s heads but Square. Following the restructuring of the Final Fantasy XIV team, Square has been on the case since launch bringing in much needed content, fixing up players issues including the UI, battle system, and other functions.
Square Enix is soon to release their 2010 fiscal year financial report, and the company is expecting profits to be down up to 89%, with a revenue 28% lower than the previous year. Square believes that a new staff and strong console lineup will bring the company back from its current state in the 2011 fiscal year.
Hopefully the lessons have been learned and Square can quickly pick their teeth up off the floor before the blood stains can no longer be removed. Final Fantasy XIV is coming along quite well, and Square has an opportunity to bolster their sales through their console and handheld titles. Final Fantasy XI is still trucking along healthily with upcoming updates to make leveling easier for newer players who may have been overwhelmed by all that the game has to offer.
As the banner says, cautious optimism. As my mama always said, if you go in too headstrong, you’ll get knocked on your ass so fast your head will be spinning. Hopefully Square can get off their feet and put what they’ve learned to good use.
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