Square Enix CEO Recognizes the Importance of Films, Comics, XR, AI, and Adapting to Change for Future Success

A New Year’s Letter from the President

Takashi Kiryu, president of Square Enix, recently shared his New Year’s vision for the company. While he didn’t announce any dramatic changes, he emphasized a commitment to investing in Square Enix's core gaming business while exploring new opportunities in films, TV, extended reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI).

As a leading AAA game developer in Japan, Square Enix traditionally outlines its strategic direction in a New Year message. This marks Kiryu's first message since taking the helm in June 2023.

In his letter, Kiryu acknowledged that while the world has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and inflation have created uncertainties within the digital entertainment landscape. He noted advancements in XR technologies in 2023, highlighting the potential to integrate the physical and virtual worlds like never before.

Kiryu remarked, “Generative AI is not just limited to text. The rapid introduction of new tools across various domains—including images, video, and music—underscores its transformative potential in digital entertainment.” He believes generative AI could significantly change both the content we create and the processes behind that creativity.

In reinforcing Square Enix’s digital entertainment division, Kiryu outlined plans to enhance content development and publishing capabilities. This includes reviving classic franchises and increasing investment in internal production, aiming for a more collaborative environment that connects development teams with fan insights.

He also highlighted the success of Square Enix's comics and amusement businesses in boosting the visibility of its franchises across various media. “These avenues enhance our multifaceted approach to leveraging our intellectual property, including film and animation adaptations,” Kiryu stated.

Square Enix has previously committed to investing in blockchain entertainment, Web 3.0, AI, and cloud technologies. Kiryu emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue sources to respond to the evolving market landscape.

“2024 will mark a new beginning for our Group as we pursue growth and innovation,” he declared. “We will outline a comprehensive corporate strategy and focus on executing our initiatives with a challenger’s mindset.”

Kiryu concluded with wishes for a prosperous New Year, setting an optimistic tone for Square Enix's future endeavors.

Full Letter:

Happy New Year!

In 2023, the world saw significant improvements following the pandemic. However, it was also a year marked by heightened geopolitical risks and inflation, causing shifts as we sought to establish a "new normal."

In the evolving landscape of digital entertainment, we witnessed innovative services fusing virtual and real-world experiences. For instance, the architecture sector began adopting XR technologies to enhance their processes, reflecting a broader trend of increased experiential value in digital content.

Advancements in AI, notably with the introduction of ChatGPT, revolutionized the way we engage with content creation, extending its utility beyond text to images, video, and music. I believe this technology will redefine our creative processes fundamentally.

Celebrating our 20th anniversary, we embark on a new chapter at Square Enix. As president, I have gathered insights from stakeholders to identify our growth direction and set the groundwork for future successes.

Our focus on strengthening content development and publishing capabilities is paramount. This includes optimizing our resource allocation and enhancing internal efficiencies to meet customer expectations more effectively.

Moreover, we aim for greater global collaboration in our marketing efforts, ensuring that we not only maximize sales of new titles but also tap into our extensive back catalog to expand our global fan base.

Organizational structures facilitating closer collaboration among our teams will help us balance product-driven and market-driven approaches, leading to content that genuinely delights our audience.

As we integrate AI and emerging technologies, we seek to boost development productivity and enhance marketing sophistication, ultimately creating innovative consumer experiences.

Our publication and amusement businesses further broaden our reach, presenting diverse content that enhances brand awareness and provides vital synergies with our digital entertainment efforts.

In 2023, we took steps to unify our group in creating satisfying customer experiences and expanding our content delivery capabilities. Looking ahead, 2024 will be the launching point for further advancements and growth.

We are committed to defining a grand corporate strategy and executing our vision with determination. Together, embracing change and innovation, we will drive our business forward.

Wishing you all a prosperous New Year!

Takashi Kiryu

President and Representative Director

SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD.