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Square Enix President and CEO Yosuke Matsuda has issued a New Year’s message via Square Enix Holdings, discussing future plans for the company including utilizing streaming and subscription based services.
He initially opens discussing smartphones, VR, and AR technologies becoming more commonplace; along with new services such as “Virtual Youtubers.”
Matsuda also suggested Square Enix may be looking into blockchains and cryptocurrency:
“With the subsiding of the cryptocurrency bubble, the use of blockchain technology has spread to a variety of non-cryptocurrency domains as well. One has been the gaming space, where there have been some interesting developments with games and game platform services using blockchain technology. We are also very interested in potential applications for blockchain technology in the digital content space. In addition, with both the public and private sectors supporting cashless payments, numerous digital currency services are currently battling for supremacy in that field.”
“Rapid adaption to the new platforms” was also mentioned, such as how the next generation of gaming consoles are now being discussed. Matsuda also stated cloud streaming services for gaming have “at last begun to show signs of taking off.”
He continues, stating that streaming is likely to bring in new platforms in addition to the current console PC gaming providers. “These developments produce a growing number of avenues through which game publishers and developers can provide content.”
The next paragraph is where Matsuda suggests Square Enix’s interest in streaming and subscription services:
“In particular, game streaming services will be the ultimate driver of a rapid transition from the sale of games in boxes to digital consumption. Streaming also lends itself to new subscription-based business models, so we believe deciding how to engage with these forthcoming trends will be key to future growth.”
The letter finishes discussing “Aggressive expansion in overseas markets.” Matsuda feels that China’s regulations are unpredictable, resulting in Chinese publishers and developers looking overseas.
Matsuda states Square Enix will attempt to collaborate with these companies. We have already seen this with the “strategic alliance” between Square Enix and Tencent.
Finally, Matsuda mentions efforts will be made to re-establish Square Enix within India. “Given India’s developing telecommunications and payment infrastructure, we see it as an extremely promising market for entertainment consumption in terms of both the size of its population and its economic power.”
What do you think? Do you agree with Matsuda’s vision for the future? Sound off in the comments below!
