Square Enix's President, Takashi Kiryu, has unveiled the company's plans for the upcoming year in a New Year letter. In the message, Kiryu emphasized the company's commitment to both its core gaming business and venturing into new realms such as films, TV, XR, and AI.
Kiryu, who took on the role of president in June 2023, acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical risks and inflation in the world. Despite the subsiding of COVID-19, he highlighted the ongoing changes in digital entertainment. Kiryu pointed to the advancements in extended reality (XR) technologies throughout the past year, foreseeing an increased application of XR to blend real and virtual worlds.
The president also underscored the transformative potential of generative AI, stating, "I believe that generative AI has the potential not only to reshape what we create but also to fundamentally change the processes by which we create, including programming."
Within Square Enix's digital entertainment business, Kiryu outlined plans to strengthen content development and publishing capabilities. This includes revitalizing older franchises and investing in tools like AI to enhance productivity. The company aims to efficiently target global audiences and gather early data on fan preferences for development teams.
Kiryu emphasized the value of Square Enix's comics and arcade (Amusement) businesses in drawing attention to the company's franchises across various media. He stated, "I see them as capable of contributing to our group’s growth and intend to continue to focus on them."
Square Enix's focus on blockchain entertainment, Web3, AI, and the cloud remains steadfast. Kiryu stated, "2024 will mark the starting point for our group to achieve additional strides forward and further growth." The company plans to unveil a new corporate strategy in the form of a Grand Design, embracing change and maintaining a challenger's mindset.
The president concluded the letter by expressing optimism for the new year: "Never fearing change and always maintaining a challenger’s mindset, we will work together as one to drive our businesses forward."
This comprehensive vision for 2024 reflects Square Enix's commitment to innovation and adaptation in the dynamic landscape of digital entertainment.
