In a recent presentation to investors, Square Enix revealed that it will be laying off multiple employees in both its North American and European divisions. Additionally, it will be investing in AI in an attempt to further increase productivity.
As part of the restructuring, Square Enix will close several overseas development studios and shift towards consolidating development functions in Japan. The layoffs will affect an unknown amount of employees in the North American division of Square Enix, and 137 employees in the UK. On its website, Square reveals more details on how it plans to utilize AI:
- Initiation of joint research with the Matsuo Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, aimed at improving the efficiency of game development processes through AI technologies.
- Goal: Automate 70% of QA and debugging tasks in game development by the end of 2027. Through the use of automation technology, aim to improve the efficiency of QA operations and establish a competitive advantage in game development.
Lastly, Square Enix’s next major project is re-releasing Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on January 22 for Nintendo Switch 2 & Xbox Series X|S. The game is available now on PlayStation 5 and PC. The Steam page describes the game as follows:
By exploiting mako, the life-blood of the planet, through their mako reactors, the Shinra Electric Power Company has all but seized control of the entire world. A ragtag group of idealists, known as Avalanche, are one of the last bastions of resistance.
Cloud, an elite SOLDIER operative-turned-mercenary takes part in an Avalanche operation to destroy Mako Reactor 1 in the city of Midgar. The bombing plunges the city into fiery chaos, and Cloud is tormented by visions of a bitter enemy long thought dead.
Once more begins a story that will shape the destiny of an entire world.
