Final Fantasy maker Square Enix is laying off an unknown number of employees in North America and Europe in a move it says will “strengthen” its development structure.
The company confirmed the news to IGN.which reports that the cuts will affect more than 100 people. Square Enix has not disclosed how many jobs will be cut.
At the same time, reductions were confirmed Square Enix outlined plans Use generative AI technology to automate 70 percent of quality control and debugging tasks by the end of 2027.
“We are reorganizing our operations in North America and Europe to strengthen our development structure and implement a globally integrated marketing strategy. This was an extremely difficult decision made after careful consideration and analysis by our management to best ensure the long-term growth of the Group,” said a statement sent to IGN.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the talented team members who will be leaving the company for their significant contributions to Square Enix. During this transition period, we remain committed to treating each individual with the utmost respect and providing full support throughout this process.”
Square Enix publicly detailed plans to overhaul and streamline its “overseas studio development organizational structure” in its latest mid-term business plan update. shared with investors this week.
The publisher said the three-year initiative is designed to “reboot” the company for long-term growth and will require a “fundamental restructuring” of its overseas publishing business.
“In the current financial year, a fundamental restructuring of the overseas publishing organization is underway to further strengthen global publishing capabilities and improve operational efficiency,” the department explained.
The company said it must also overhaul its development structure, which will result in the closure of overseas studios and a move to “consolidate development functions in Japan.”
“The management of IP addresses previously controlled by foreign development studios will be globally integrated,” the company added. “In addition, development support functions and personnel distribution both in Japan and abroad will be reviewed from the perspective of the overall optimization of the Group.”
Square Enix claims that these structural reforms will save more than 3 billion yen ($19.5 million) per year.
