Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about square enix franchises.
What is Square Enix as a company?
Square Enix is a Japanese video game publisher and developer created in 2003 when two long-rivaling studios, Square and Enix, agreed to merge under a single corporate umbrella. It now operates as one of the world's largest game publishers, with studios and publishing labels spanning Japan, North America, and Europe.
What is Final Fantasy and why is it so central to the company?
Final Fantasy is a role-playing game series that debuted in 1987 and has since grown into a dozen-plus mainline entries along with numerous spin-offs and multimedia adaptations. It is widely credited with putting the JRPG genre on the global map and remains Square Enix's single most recognizable property.
Who is Hironobu Sakaguchi?
Sakaguchi is the Japanese game designer who conceived and directed the original Final Fantasy in 1987, essentially establishing the template for the modern JRPG. He has since stepped back from hands-on development but remains a symbolic figurehead for the franchise.
Why did Square and Enix merge in the first place?
Both companies were under severe financial strain in the late 1990s and early 2000s—Square nearly went under after the costly live-action Final Fantasy VII film, while Enix faced its own revenue pressures. The 2003 merger was pitched as a way to pair Square's action-RPG pedigree with Enix's publishing reach and deeper financial reserves.
Where should a complete newcomer begin?
Most fans point to Final Fantasy VII—either the 1997 classic or the 2020-to-2024 remake trilogy—as the most accessible gateway into the company's world. If you prefer a more modern, party-based structure, Octopath Traveler or Final Fantasy X are also frequently recommended starting points.
What is Kingdom Hearts?
Kingdom Hearts is a crossover role-playing series co-developed by Square Enix and Disney that weaves Disney and Pixar characters together with original protagonists, most notably Sora. The series has stretched well past a decade of releases and is known for its sprawling, multi-generational story.
What genres does Square Enix cover beyond RPGs?
Through its various labels and acquired studios, the company publishes action-adventure titles (Tomb Raider, Deus Ex), stealth games (Hitman), narrative-driven experiences (Life is Strange), and action titles (NieR, Lightning Returns). Its portfolio is considerably broader than the 'JRPG publisher' label many people assume.
What are some defining moments in Square Enix's history?
The 1997 release of Final Fantasy VII is often cited as the moment the company became a global household name. More recently, the multi-part Final Fantasy VII Remake project and the 2020 launch of its first installment are frequently pointed to as the franchise's modern renaissance.
Who are some key creative figures associated with the company?
Beyond Sakaguchi, names like Tetsuya Nomura (Kingdom Hearts director), Yoko Shimomura (composer for Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts), and Hajime Tabata (director of Octopath Traveler and Final Fantasy XV) are frequently cited by fans. On the business side, former president Yoichi Wada and subsequent leadership have shaped the company's publishing strategy.
On what platforms can you play Square Enix games?
Their titles appear on virtually every major platform—PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile. Many recent releases ship day-one across multiple systems, though some Japan-specific titles still launch on console first before arriving elsewhere.