Square Enix
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Vague Patch Notes: No, Epic Games is not the bellwether of the game industry
This article critiques the notion that Epic Games is a bellwether for the game industry, arguing that its success is primarily tied to the battle royale mode of Fortnite, a cash-in on a trend rather than a creative vision. The author contends that Epic's over-reliance on Fortnite and the underperformance of the Epic Games Store, coupled with questionable business strategies, led to recent layoffs, contrasting this with more diversified companies like Blizzard and Square Enix.
Final Fantasy 14 patch 7.5 teasers have fans hoping the MMO's next big expansion will "resolve" a fan-favorite plotline Square Enix hasn't touched in nearly 3 years
Teasers for Final Fantasy XIV patch 7.5, titled 'Trail to the Heavens,' have sparked fan speculation about the next expansion, 8.0, potentially resolving the long-standing plotline concerning the Thirteenth Shard, also known as the Void. Players are hopeful that Square Enix will address this narrative thread, which has not been significantly explored since 2023.
The FF14 patch 7.5 special site promises more of its best new double act, and a returning ally
Square Enix has released details for Final Fantasy XIV patch 7.5, titled 'Trail to the Heavens,' launching April 28. The update will feature the return of characters Halmarut and Calyx, a new dungeon in Garlemald, and a trial against Enuo from Final Fantasy V Advance. The patch also teases the upcoming Beastmaster job and further content updates leading up to the 8.0 expansion.
Final Fantasy 14 patch 7.5 site teases a potential return to the void for its next expansion
The patch 7.5 site for Final Fantasy XIV teases a potential return to the Void for the game's next expansion, with dungeon and raid names suggesting a focus on the Thirteenth reflection. This comes after the Dawntrail expansion arc began, though its initial story content has been largely self-contained. Future patches will further bridge the gap to the next major chapter.
Japans 12 Million Crypto Users Propel Web3 Gaming Growth
Japan's gaming industry is experiencing significant growth in Web3 gaming, fueled by over 12 million cryptocurrency users and a favorable regulatory environment. Major companies like Square Enix, Sega, Bandai Namco, and Konami are investing heavily in blockchain technology, aiming to leverage the nation's strong intellectual property in anime and manga. The government is also working towards a flat 20% tax rate on cryptocurrency gains by 2026 to further bolster the sector.
Triple-I Initiative Showcase 2026: Castlevania, Dead As Disco, And Every Game Shown
The Triple-I Initiative Showcase featured 40 game announcements, including world premieres and DLC for existing titles. Highlights included new looks at Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Dead as Disco, and Windrose, alongside reveals for games like Final Sentence and Crop. Several titles announced release dates or entered early access, with many coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
One Of The Most Stunning-Looking Games Of The Year Launches In May
Radical Fish Games announced that its upcoming action-RPG, Alabaster Dawn, will launch in early access on PC on May 7. The game features a unique 2.5D art style combining pixel art with a 3D perspective, and will include dungeons, boss fights, an RPG system, and a cooking system. A demo is currently available on Steam.
LONDON GAMES FESTIVAL UNVEILS ITS 2026 ENSEMBLE COHORT
The London Games Festival has announced its 2026 Ensemble cohort, highlighting Black, Asian, and underrepresented ethnic creatives in the UK games industry. The program, curated by Sharna Jackson, features eight individuals in roles ranging from game directors to audio designers, with an installation at Trafalgar Square and features at New Game Plus.
FFXIV 2026 Fan Festival Items Include FFVII Red XIII Minion, Hardy-Daytona Motorcycle Mount
Square Enix has released new virtual items for Final Fantasy XIV on its online store, inspired by the 2026 Fan Festival and Final Fantasy VII Remake. Notable additions include the Hardy-Daytona motorcycle mount and a Wind-up Red XIII minion, alongside new emotes and cosmetic outfits. These items are available for purchase on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X until patch 7.5 arrives on April 28, 2026.
Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined Has Received An Update For Switch 1 & 2 Today
Square Enix has released update version 1.2.0 for Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The patch addresses several progression-related issues, including bugs found near Mardilus and in the Wind Labyrinth. A free demo is available on the eShop.
What if the industry started remaking bad games instead of good ones?
This opinion piece argues that the video game industry should focus on remaking underperforming but promising titles rather than constantly redoing successful ones. It suggests that remaking games like Dark Souls 2 or Legacy of Kain: Defiance could unlock their full potential and foster more innovation, contrasting this with the current trend of remaking established hits like Final Fantasy VII.
Another obscure Final Fantasy game could come to PC with Square Enix "exploring the possibility" of porting…
Square Enix is reportedly considering a PC port for Dissidia Final Fantasy following its recent mobile launch. Producer Naoya Matsumoto explained that the game's vertical screen design was chosen for one-handed smartphone play, but did not rule out a PC version.
Life is Strange: Reunion Review
Life is Strange: Reunion serves as a finale to the series, bringing back original protagonists Max and Chloe for a new adventure that deals with the consequences of past choices and time manipulation. While the narrative can be confusing for newcomers and the presentation feels dated on PlayStation 5, the game excels in its character relationships and emotional storytelling, concluding the beloved series gracefully.
Wisdom of Nym: Is it time to bring elemental damage back to Final Fantasy XIV?
This article discusses the potential return of elemental damage types to Final Fantasy XIV, a system removed during the transition from 1.0 to 2.0. The author argues that reintroducing elemental weaknesses and resistances could add depth to combat mechanics and job differentiation, citing Blue Mage's use in the Masked Carnivale as a precedent. While acknowledging potential design challenges, the piece suggests that modern game design and player visibility make it more feasible now than in the past.
Diablo 4's Lord of Hatred expansion teased in new book!... | TAG
A new book titled 'Lord of Hatred' offers an early look at Diablo 4's upcoming expansion, teasing new lore and story elements set in the Skovos Isles. Meanwhile, Limited Run Games is addressing past delays by setting more realistic shipping expectations, potentially pushing some preorders to late 2026. Bungie has also announced a nerf to the powerful Biotoxic Disinjector weapon in Marathon to improve game balance.
Interview: Getting Competitive With Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy
Square Enix Producer Naoya Matsumoto discusses Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy's shift to a 3v3 competitive mobile format, emphasizing its portrait mode design for casual, one-handed play and community features. He also touches on the possibility of a PC version and the character selection process, which prioritizes role diversity and highlighting lesser-known characters from the Final Fantasy series.
How can your game win the 'attention war?' Turn to storytelling
This article discusses how game developers can combat the 'attention war' by focusing on strong narrative design and player engagement, rather than trying to compete with other platforms. Examples like The Messenger and Detroit: Become Human illustrate how compelling storytelling and interactive presentation can deeply involve players. Developers are encouraged to take creative risks and trust their writing to create memorable experiences.
LOGOS: The World of Final Fantasy XVI Perspective Makes It More Compelling
The LOGOS: The World of Final Fantasy XVI book offers a compelling and unique approach to lore presentation, feeling more like a historical archive than a standard encyclopedia. Written from the perspective of in-game scholar Harpocrates, it includes over 90% new content, enhancing the world-building and character details beyond what is presented in the game itself. The book's design and writing style make it an engaging read, staying true to the aesthetic and feel of Final Fantasy XVI.
On and Off Work-Life Imbalance Handles Its Reveal Well
The third volume of the manga On and Off Work-Life Imbalance successfully handles the reveal of the main characters' dual identities, allowing them to deepen their mutual support and happiness. The story explores themes of self-acceptance and the positive impact of revealing one's true self on relationships, with hints of a developing romantic element.
Final Fantasy 14's latest variant dungeon is so good, it deserves better—the MMO needs to figure out its rewards so all this great work isn't wasted
The latest variant dungeon in Final Fantasy 14, The Merchant's Tale, is praised for its stunning visuals and engaging boss fights, but criticized for its lackluster reward structure. The article argues that Square Enix needs to improve how rewards are distributed to keep older content relevant and to better honor the work of its designers. While the new 'advanced' difficulty is a success, the rewards like tradeable accessories and consumables do not justify the effort for many players, especially when compared to the gear progression typically locked behind Savage raids.
