Is Enix the Same as Square Enix? Unraveling the History of a Gaming Giant
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, Enix is part of Square Enix, but the relationship is more nuanced than a simple name change. In 2003, Enix and Square merged to form the company we know today as Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. This merger wasn’t just a cosmetic rebranding; it was a significant consolidation of two powerhouse Japanese video game developers, each with its own distinct legacy and strengths. To truly understand Square Enix, you need to understand the individual histories of Square and Enix and how they came together.
The Rise of Square and Enix: Two Paths to RPG Supremacy
Square: Pushing Technological Boundaries
Square Co., Ltd. was founded in 1983. Early on, they struggled to find success until the release of Final Fantasy in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Hironobu Sakaguchi, facing potential unemployment, put his all into what he believed would be his “final fantasy.” The game became a critical and commercial hit, saving the company and launching one of the most iconic franchises in video game history.
Square became known for its technical prowess, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible on each new generation of hardware. The Final Fantasy series, in particular, was a showcase for graphical fidelity, cinematic storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Their work on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), with titles like Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy VI (released as Final Fantasy III in North America), and Chrono Trigger, cemented their reputation as masters of the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Other notable Square games include Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3 (later localized as Trials of Mana), and the action RPG Brave Fencer Musashi.
Enix: The Dragon Quest Phenomenon
Enix Corporation was founded in 1975, initially as a publishing company. Their foray into video game development came with the release of Dragon Quest in 1986, also for the NES. Created by Yuji Horii, designed by Akira Toriyama (of Dragon Ball fame), and with music by Koichi Sugiyama, Dragon Quest offered a more traditional, approachable RPG experience compared to Final Fantasy.
Dragon Quest became a cultural phenomenon in Japan, with new game releases causing widespread social disruption as people skipped school and work to purchase the game. The series established many of the tropes that define the Japanese RPG genre, including turn-based combat, level grinding, and a focus on character progression. While Dragon Quest remained incredibly popular in Japan, its impact was less pronounced in North America and Europe, often overshadowed by the global popularity of Final Fantasy.
The Merger: Square Enix is Born
By the early 2000s, both Square and Enix faced challenges. Square had suffered significant financial losses due to the costly production of the CGI film Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, while Enix was looking to expand its reach and presence in the global market. The merger in 2003 made strategic sense for both companies.
The new entity, Square Enix, combined Square’s technological expertise and global appeal with Enix’s established franchises and strong foothold in the Japanese market. This created a gaming behemoth capable of producing a wide range of high-quality titles. The merger allowed both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest to continue thriving under a single banner, alongside new intellectual properties and ventures into other media.
Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. isn’t solely focused on game development. The holding company has expanded into various entertainment sectors, including manga, anime, merchandise, and even amusement park attractions. The company maintains the legacies of both Square and Enix while pushing forward with new and ambitious projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the official reason for the Square Enix merger?
The official reasons cited for the merger included pooling resources, mitigating risks, and achieving greater efficiency in game development and marketing. Both companies also hoped to strengthen their position in the increasingly competitive global entertainment market.
2. Which company was “bigger” before the merger, Square or Enix?
Generally, Enix was considered larger in terms of market capitalization in Japan, primarily due to the overwhelming popularity of the Dragon Quest series domestically. However, Square had stronger global brand recognition, particularly with Final Fantasy.
3. Did the merger affect the development of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest?
Yes, to some extent. While both franchises continued under Square Enix, the merger led to changes in development teams and strategies. For example, some key personnel shifted roles, and there was a greater emphasis on cross-platform development and global releases.
4. Does Square Enix still develop new games in both the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest franchises?
Absolutely. Both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest remain flagship franchises for Square Enix, with new entries and spin-offs released regularly across various platforms.
5. Did any key staff members leave after the merger?
While some staff members eventually left, the core teams behind Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest largely remained with Square Enix after the merger, ensuring continuity in the development of these major franchises.
6. Did Square Enix create any new major franchises after the merger?
Yes, Square Enix has developed several successful new franchises since 2003, including Kingdom Hearts (co-developed with Disney), The World Ends with You, and NieR.
7. What are some examples of games developed under the Square Enix banner?
Besides Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, notable Square Enix games include Kingdom Hearts series, NieR:Automata, Life is Strange, Tomb Raider series (after acquiring Eidos Interactive), Deus Ex series (also through Eidos), and Just Cause series (also through Eidos).
8. Where is Square Enix headquartered?
Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
9. Is Square Enix a publicly traded company?
Yes, Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. is a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
10. Does Square Enix own other video game studios?
Yes, Square Enix owns several other video game studios around the world, including Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, and Taito (known for Space Invaders).
11. Did the merger affect the localization of games for Western markets?
The merger generally improved the localization process for Western markets. Square Enix had more resources to invest in high-quality translations, voice acting, and marketing campaigns, resulting in more polished and accessible releases for international audiences.
12. What is Square Enix Collective?
Square Enix Collective is a platform that supports independent game developers by providing them with funding, publishing assistance, and access to Square Enix’s resources. It allows indie developers to pitch their ideas to the community and potentially partner with Square Enix for development and distribution.
13. How has Square Enix adapted to the rise of mobile gaming?
Square Enix has actively embraced mobile gaming, releasing numerous ports of classic titles and developing original games for iOS and Android devices. They’ve also explored the use of mobile platforms for supplementary content and spin-offs of their major franchises.
14. What are some of the challenges Square Enix faces in the current gaming landscape?
Square Enix faces challenges similar to those of other major game developers, including the rising costs of game development, increasing competition from indie studios and new platforms, and the need to adapt to evolving player preferences and technological advancements. The mixed reception of certain recent titles has also put pressure on the company to deliver consistent quality across its portfolio.
15. Will Square Enix continue to release games under both the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest brands?
Yes. Both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest are central to Square Enix’s future plans, with multiple projects in development across various platforms. They represent significant revenue streams and are vital to the company’s identity and long-term success.