Anticipating 2025: Square Enix Needs Major Titles to Engage Fans
Since its inception in 2003 through the merger of Squaresoft and Enix, Square Enix has consistently delivered remarkable video game titles each year. However, as we look ahead to 2025, the company faces one of the leanest release schedules in its history, prompting discussions about the necessity of major titles such as Kingdom Hearts 4 and a remastered edition of Final Fantasy XIII.
Current Release Outlook for 2025
As of now, following the announcements made during The Game Awards 2024, Square Enix has only confirmed two significant releases for 2025: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for PC and the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. While the former is merely a port of an existing title, the latter is poised to be an exciting remake, yet these two titles alone would mark 2025 as potentially one of the company’s quietest years since its merger.
Potential Game Changers for Square Enix
To enhance the prospects of 2025, there are several key releases that could invigorate the company’s slate. While it seems unlikely that Dragon Quest XII will make an appearance next year given the ongoing silence around it, Kingdom Hearts 4 could be a contender for release.
Initially announced in April 2022 after development began as early as 2020, Kingdom Hearts 4 faces an uphill battle in terms of timeline expectations. For context, Kingdom Hearts 3 was revealed in 2013 and took six years to launch. Nevertheless, Square Enix appears to be improving in their announcement-to-release timelines, as seen with the Final Fantasy VII Remake, which was announced in 2015 and saw its sequel come out within two years of its 2022 announcement. The prospect of Kingdom Hearts 4 debuting in 2025 is slim but could significantly impact Square Enix’s year.
Exploring Other Opportunities
While a Kingdom Hearts 4 release remains uncertain, the possibility of a remaster of the entire Final Fantasy XIII trilogy emerges as a realistic alternative to capture player interest. The original games are not widely available on modern gaming platforms, except for limited Xbox backward compatibility.
As we anticipate the launch of the new Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, releasing a remastered FFXIII trilogy could serve as a strong initial offering. Although the trilogy has faced criticism, its visuals still hold up well against current standards, and its narrative remains compelling, especially with improvements in gameplay pace offered by the follow-up titles.
Future Releases on the Horizon
In addition to these potential titles, other exciting projects could help Square Enix turn things around in 2025. A new entry in the NieR series seems highly anticipated, and launching it next year would undoubtedly position Square Enix favorably in the gaming landscape. Also worth noting is the possibility of a new Bravely Default installment, which I predict for the Switch 2. Moreover, we could see remakes of classic titles like Chrono Trigger or Xenogears, or perhaps even a successor to Triangle Strategy.
Final Thoughts
Presently, Square Enix’s 2025 calendar appears sparse. However, it is likely that this emptiness will change as the year approaches. Without significant announcements, 2025 risks becoming one of the weakest years in the company’s history. Fans look forward to the release of major titles, especially Kingdom Hearts 4 or a comprehensive remaster of the FFXIII trilogy, to sustain engagement and excitement for the franchise.
Kingdom Hearts 4 is anticipated to be released soon across multiple as-yet-unconfirmed platforms.
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