Square Enix experiences a ¥11 billion decline in game sales, predominantly due to recurring releases of Kingdom Hearts, yet reassures with a promising pipeline of exceptional Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) on the horizon.
Square Enix has unveiled its latest action RPG, "The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales," as the highlight of its 2026 release lineup. This game marks a departure from the turn-based combat typical of Square Enix's previous HD-2D titles, featuring real-time combat, robust customization, deep exploration, and a co-op mode.
The announcement comes as part of Square Enix's push for multiplatform releases, signalling a shift from quantity to quality in game development. The game is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
"The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales" is distinct from Square Enix's other upcoming HD-2D release, "Octopath Traveler 0," which is a turn-based RPG scheduled for launch on December 4, 2025.
The new action RPG follows Elliot, a protagonist accompanied by Faie, his fairy companion. The game is set in the HD-2D visual style, a signature art form that Square Enix has employed in games like Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default.
The financial report also provides a more intricate breakdown of Square Enix's game development operations. Despite a decrease in net sales for the Digital Entertainment category, the HD games sector generated about ¥1 billion more profit this quarter. This increase is due to lower development cost amortization and decreased related advertising expenses.
However, the report also indicates a decline in sales for MMOs, specifically Final Fantasy 14 and Dragon Quest 10 Online. The decrease is attributed to lower sales than the previous year, which included releases of three 'Kingdom Hearts' catalog titles on Steam. The decline in Final Fantasy 14's sales may reflect the current mood in the MMO's community.
On a positive note, mobile and browser games saw a similar trend of lower sales but increased profits. Square Enix's latest financial report also suggests that the company has a lineup of promising JRPGs that could help it return to the good part of the industry cycle.
The report does not provide information on the performance of other categories outside of Digital Entertainment. Leaving money and players on the table with exclusive deals makes less and less sense, and Square Enix's reduced overhead appears to have benefited it this quarter.
Other notable releases from Square Enix include "Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade," scheduled for release on Switch 2 and Xbox this winter, and "The Final Fantasy Tactics remake The Ivalice Chronicles," set for release on September 30. Additionally, "Dragon Quest 1&2 HD-2D Remake" is set for release on October 30.
In conclusion, Square Enix's 2026 release lineup for action RPGs following the HD-2D style of Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default centers on "The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales." This game expands their signature art style into real-time action gameplay with a notable co-op feature, making it a significant addition to Square Enix's portfolio.
- Square Enix's latest action RPG, "The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales," is set to release on multiple consoles, including Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
- The game is unique among Square Enix's 2026 release lineup, featuring real-time combat, robust customization, deep exploration, and a co-op mode, departing from the turn-based combat typical of their previous HD-2D titles.
- Square Enix's financial report shows a decrease in net sales for their MMOs, specifically Final Fantasy 14 and Dragon Quest 10 Online, due to lower sales compared to the previous year.
- Mobile and browser games, however, showed a similar trend of lower sales but increased profits, and the report suggests a lineup of promising JRPGs that could help Square Enix return to the good part of the industry cycle.
- Other notable releases from Square Enix include "Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade" for Switch 2 and Xbox, and "The Final Fantasy Tactics remake The Ivalice Chronicles" for September 30.
- Technology enthusiasts might also be interested in the latest gadgets and smartphones, even as they immerse themselves in the exciting world of console games like "The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales" and "Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade."
- News outlets and entertainment channels will no doubt cover the upcoming releases of Square Enix games, providing updates and reviews to help gamers make informed decisions.
- With deals on new games, consoles, and technology becoming increasingly common, it's a great time to keep an eye on entertainment news, tech releases, and gaming deals.