In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, few things are as constant as change. Publishers constantly re-evaluate their portfolios, seeking to align resources with future strategies. For Square Enix, a titan in the RPG world, this strategic realignment is now manifesting in the sunset of two long-running mobile titles: Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius and Dragon Quest of the Stars. These beloved games, both launched in 2015, are set to be delisted in Japan on October 31, bringing a decade-long journey to a definitive close.
The Fading Stars: A Decade in the Digital Realm
The news, confirmed via Square Enix`s social media channels, marks a poignant moment for dedicated players. Both games represent significant entries in two of the most iconic RPG franchises globally. While their international versions had already ceased operations – Dragon Quest of the Stars in 2021 and Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius last year – the impending Japanese shutdown signifies the complete cessation of these particular digital adventures.
Adding a touch of bittersweet irony, both titles will reach their 10th anniversaries just weeks before their final closure: Dragon Quest of the Stars on October 15 and Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius on October 22. It`s a testament to their longevity in a notoriously fleeting mobile market, yet also a stark reminder of the finite lifespan of even the most cherished live-service games. In-app purchases, often the lifeblood of such titles, have already been suspended, signaling the final countdown.
The “Reboot” Imperative: Square Enix`s Strategic Pruning
This move is not an isolated incident but rather a clear manifestation of Square Enix`s previously declared intent to “reboot” the company over the next three years. A corporate “reboot” in the gaming industry often means a comprehensive re-evaluation of current projects, intellectual properties, and development priorities. It`s a strategic culling, where older, perhaps less profitable, or less strategically aligned ventures are shed to free up resources for new endeavors and a refined focus.
For a company with as vast and varied a catalog as Square Enix, such a reboot is a monumental undertaking. It reflects broader industry trends where intense competition, rising development costs, and the need for continuous innovation drive publishers to make tough decisions. The mobile market, while lucrative, demands constant updates and significant maintenance, which can become unsustainable for titles that no longer meet performance targets or fit into a revised corporate vision.
Survivors and Casualties: The Broader Picture of Strategic Shifts
The story of Square Enix`s portfolio management isn`t just about mobile games. It`s a complex tapestry woven with triumphs and difficult choices:
- The Enduring MMO: In contrast to the mobile shutdowns, the 23-year-old massively multiplayer online game, Final Fantasy XI, narrowly escaped a similar fate last year. Director Yoji Fujito reportedly desired its closure, but a robust and dedicated player base ultimately ensured its continued operation. This highlights the power of community and sustained engagement, even for very old titles.
- The Canceled Sequel: On the flip side, the narrative of Outriders 2 offers a different perspective on Square Enix`s strategic shifts. Developer People Can Fly reportedly had plans for a sequel, only to be overruled by their publisher. This decision, seemingly made at a corporate level, was followed by layoffs at the studio, with Outriders 2 rumored to be one of the casualties. It illustrates that the “reboot” extends beyond just aging mobile games, impacting even newer console/PC ventures and their development teams.
These varied outcomes underscore a critical point: Square Enix`s strategy isn`t a simple “out with the old.” It`s a nuanced, sometimes harsh, process of allocating resources where they believe they will yield the greatest return, whether that means maintaining an ancient, but profitable, MMO or axing a potential sequel.
Looking Towards the Horizon: New Adventures Await
While some doors are closing, new ones are always opening. Square Enix is not merely dismantling; it is also investing in fresh experiences. An example is The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, a brand-new HD-2D action-RPG. Set to launch in 2026 for Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, this title offers a glimpse into the company`s future focus – potentially towards high-quality, graphically enhanced experiences across multiple platforms, diverging from the mobile-first strategy of a decade ago.
The Inevitable Digital Sunset
The impending shutdown of Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius and Dragon Quest of the Stars serves as a potent reminder of the transient nature of digital entertainment, particularly in the live-service space. While a decade is a remarkable run for any mobile game, the economic realities and strategic directives of a major publisher like Square Enix ultimately dictate the lifespan of even its most cherished creations. For the loyal players who invested countless hours, it’s a bittersweet farewell to digital worlds that, for a time, felt eternal. For the industry, it`s another chapter in the ongoing story of evolution, adaptation, and sometimes, necessary goodbyes.
Callum Darby