Final Fantasy 14 Is the Saviour of Square Enix's Latest Financial Report

Square Enix has published its financial report for fiscal year 2021, and although the publisher is still reasonably healthy overall, its net sales were down almost ten percent on fiscal year 2020 — and it could have been worse if not for the continued success of Final Fantasy XIV.

The MMORPG really is the company's biggest money maker at the moment, contributing massively to increased sales in Square Enix's online sector. The game saw a "sharp rise" in monthly subscribers, and was bolstered further by the release of its Endwalker expansion.

Let's be real, though, it comes as no surprise to see Square Enix report a decline in sales. In 2020 it had Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Marvel's Avengers. The latter obviously didn't have the impact that the company would have wanted, but it did sell well around launch.

Compared to Outriders (which has yet to break even), NieR Replicant (a remaster of an already niche title), and Guardians of the Galaxy (which underperformed) in 2021, it's easy to see why Square Enix has struggled.

It'll be hoping that selling off most of its Western studios and properties to Embracer Group will help solidify its position. All eyes will also be on Final Fantasy XVI, which is being spearheaded by the team that made the aforementioned Final Fantasy XIV such a huge hit.

Source: PushSquare