Rapture, a Flagship Title

Some more news came out recently relating to Square Enix's address to investors last month.  According to Kotaku, Square Enix's president, Yoichi Wada, stated that while Final Fantasy XI was indeed profitable for the company, it would not last forever.  He continued by informing investors that they are currently developing a post-FFXI flagship title.  In my opinion, this leaves little doubt that Rapture will be a feature rich and dynamic title, rather than a casual/free MMO, in an attempt to recapture profits for their online gaming division.

Square Enix's President Yoichi Wada

Source: http://kotaku.com/5165833/square-enix-still-workin-on-that-new-mmo

Special thanks to ClovisVer for submitting this story.

Rapture to Replace FFXI?

Some interesting news was contained in Square Enix's financial reports for this past year.  It seems as though FFXI subscriptions have been declining since last year.  Combine that with the worsening exchange rate and the result is a hit to the typical high revenue production from SE's Online Gaming Division.  A supplemental information packet was put out with the report (only in Japanese) that indicated that SE was developing a game to replace Final Fantasy XI.

Does this mark the end of FFXI?

Popular opinion around the gaming community have sided with the idea that this news indicates that FFXI will be closing the servers with the launch of Rapture.  However, SE has stated that as long as enough people play the game, they will continue to support it.  Whatever the case, I recommend checking out the source to this post as a couple of their writers have contributed some interesting view points on the topic.

Source: http://www.jpbutton.com/?p=2122

MMORPG Confirmed for E3 2009?

In a recent article in Electronic Gaming Monthly, Editor-In-Chief James Mielke suggests that Square Enix is finally going to unveil their follow up MMO to FFXI at E3 in June 2009. Even though he only states that it's "scuttlebutt around the industry" that is confirming this, it would be tough to bet against, given Mielke's relationship with the FFXI team and developers of the new MMORPG. Chances are Mielke knows more than he can reveil, but for now we'll have to wait till June to see what's in store for us.

Click for full size scan

Source: http://www.aionsource.com/forum/culture-media/9956-square-enixs-next-mmo-unveiled-e3-2009-quote.html

Special thanks for reader EvilBarret for submitting this story.

Final Fantasy XI Fan Festival 2008

Square Enix and the Final Fantasy XI team have another FFXI Fan Festival planned this year for December 6th.  Like past years, this event will include a development panel presentation from the FFXI team (and the same team responsible for the new MMO.)  In the past they have confirmed at this event that they were working on this new MMO, so it's possible they might share some details on when we can expect more information.  Like always, check back for updates if anything comes from this.

Source: http://www.ffxifestival.com

New Countdown Site

Square Enix recently created a new site, www.bahamut.jp, where there is a countdown timer (currently set to end on monday.)  A few rumors are going around that this is Final Fantasy related, either involving a new expansion to Final Fantasy XI or possibly their new MMORPG.  Check back monday once we learn some new information, until then, enjoy the music on the website!

Microsoft and Square at TGS

Quick little update before TGS kicks up, apparently Microsoft and Square are teaming up at TGS in terms of their demo booths.  Xbox Japan marketing exec Joyoji Sakaguchi said they were doing to hold a raffle to let one lucky winner get to play a game at square enix's booth that has yet to be named.  TGS kicks off soon so more to follow.

Source: http://kotaku.com/5060396/microsoft-has-over-140-demo-kiosks-buddies-with-square-enix

Square Enix Releases TGS 2008 Lineup

Recently, Square Enix unveiled its lineup for what promises to be an eventful Tokyo Game Show on October 9th.  Unfortunately, it appears to be somewhat of a letdown as neither Final Fantasy XIII nor Final Fantasy XIII will be playable.  Also there is no mention of any upcoming MMORPG.  However, expect to see some changes and announcements leading up to the show, as well as some possible announcements at Microsoft's press conference.  Will update if anything else is known.

Source:  http://www.square-enix.co.jp/tgs08/titles