The gaming industry dances to a unique rhythm, one that's dictated by passionate fans, relentless developers, and that of the unpredictable tides of the market. Every so often, a major player in this bustling ecosystem presents us with a curious case study. Today's subject? Square Enix, and its most recent darling, Final Fantasy 16.
When you hear the name Square Enix, the images of sprawling fantastical worlds, their mesmerizing graphics, as well as deeply emotional narratives might rush into your mind. The Final Fantasy franchise, in particular, is a series that many gamers hold close to their hearts. But recent events surrounding the latest installment, FF16, give us a rare glimpse into the business side of the beloved game.
Released in June, Final Fantasy 16 had a weighty mantle to carry. Its predecessors have been nothing short of iconic and, for the most part, it lived up to the expectations - it set sales records, was a critical success, and is effectively one of the best entries in years. But, in a report by Bloomberg last week, Square Enix faced a staggering 78.5% decline in operating profit, an outcome that surely no one at the company could have foreseen. This alarming financial dip caused its stock to plummet by 15% in Tokyo, an event that hasn't been witnessed for almost three years - and many believe FF16 is to blame.
