NA Press Releases

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (November 7, 2011) — Crystal Dynamics, a Square Enix studio, today announced TOMB RAIDER’s 15–year anniversary exhibition has ended, with a gallery of commissioned art now ready to debut in its entirety.

Crystal Dynamics played curator to the unique digital exhibition, commissioning eight original pieces from an accomplished collection of artists and releasing them throughout the month of October to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the franchise. The pieces showcase the new vision for Lara Croft in the eagerly anticipated TOMB RAIDER®, while embracing the individual style of each handpicked artist.

• Work #1: "Rebirth" by Andy Park
• Work #2: "The Depths" by Camilla d’Errico
• Work #3: "Wolf Den" by Long Vo
• Work #4: "Shipwreck Beach" by Brenoch Adams
• Work #5: "Into the Darkness" by Brian Horton
• Work #6: "The Crucible" by Randy Green
• Work #7: "Profile Pic" by Jonathan Jacques–Belletête
• Work #8: "Kyudo" by Toby Gard

An archive of the 15–year celebration wallpapers can be found at tombraider.com/15.

All eight high–resolution pieces of celebratory art can be found via Square Enix's press site in addition to artist bios, quotes, and headshots.

The art exhibition's close marks the start of Crystal Dynamic’s partnership with The Nerd Machine. A limited run of t-shirts and prints featuring work from the exhibit are now available for purchase online, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Child's Play Charity.

About TOMB RAIDER

The TOMB RAIDER franchise has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and inspired one of the most successful video game film adaptations in history, grossing over $300 million at the global box office with protagonist Lara Croft becoming a contemporary global icon. TOMB RAIDER is in development for a multi–platform release, and is slated to launch fall 2012.

TOMB RAIDER is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

WHAT: CHRONO CROSS, one of the most popular RPGs of all time, is now available for the PlayStation®3 system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system via the PlayStation®Network.

Originally released in 2000, CHRONO CROSS was directed by Masato Kato, with art direction by Yasuyuki Honne and music composition by Yasunori Mitsuda.

CHRONO CROSS is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

WHEN: Available beginning today, November 8, 2011.

WHERE: Available for the PlayStation®3 system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system for $9.99.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please visit the official website, http://www.square-enix.com/na/game/psn/.

LOS ANGELES (November 10, 2011) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced a collector's edition for FINAL FANTASY®XIII–2. FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 is developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and will be available in North America on January 31, 2012.

FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 is the sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII, which has shipped 6.2 million units worldwide since its release in North America in March 2010. The sequel has evolved beyond its predecessor, with an extraordinary level design encouraging exploration, an enhanced battle system allowing players to command monsters and a variety of options that support multiple playthroughs.

The FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 collector's edition will be available in limited quantities at GameStop®, Amazon® and Best Buy® for $79.99. Enclosed in premium packaging featuring artwork by Yoshitaka Amano, the collector's edition boasts an impressive 4–disc official soundtrack and a collection of concept artwork. The full–color concept art collection contains material from the making of FINAL FANTASY XIII–2, with a variety of never–before–seen illustrations, environments and more.

Additional exclusive incentives are available for users who preorder the standard or Collector's Editions for FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 at the following retail outlets:

GameStop®

Receive an exclusive in–game item by preordering at GameStop e/retailers
– Alternate costume for Serah, visible throughout the game

Amazon®

Omega Boss Battle
– Unique coliseum battle against boss enemy "Omega," who joins the player's party afterward

Best Buy®

Collectible Hardcover Book
– FINAL FANTASY XIII –Episode i– novella, an original story that ties together the events of FINAL FANTASY XIII and FINAL FANTASY XIII–2

This collector's edition is exclusive for North America and may not reflect editions available in other territories.

FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 will be available at North American retailers on January 31, 2012. FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

Related Links

About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

WHAT: LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT®, the critically acclaimed iPhone® and iPod® touch adventure game is now on sale for $0.99 (originally $2.99) during the next four days.

LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT sees Lara immersed in a world of fast–paced action that’s loaded with evil enemies, terrifying traps and perplexing puzzles. The app also features local and Game Center multiplayer, an isometric camera giving the gamer greater detail, and unlockable weapons and upgrades.

WHEN: Available beginning today, November 10 to November 14, 2011.

WHERE: Available on the App Store®

Related Links

WHAT: In celebration of all things FINAL FANTASY XI, Square Enix, Inc. announced today a limited time promotion called, "11 on 11-11-11." Specific offers include:

• 50% off the FINAL FANTASY XI: Ultimate Collection Abyssea Edition. Contains the original game, all four expansions (Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, and Wings of the Goddess), three add–on scenarios (A Crystalline Prophecy, A Moogle Kupo d'Etat, and A Shantotto Ascension), and for the first time in one collection, all three Abyssea battle area add–ons (Vision of Abyssea, Scars of Abyssea, and Heroes of Abyssea)!
• 14-day free trial period for players with new accounts
• The FINAL FANTASY XI Original Soundtrack Plus CD set. Available starting November 15, this massive, double–disc set contains previously unreleased tracks from Wings of the Goddess in addition to music from the three add–on scenarios and all three Abyssea battle area add–ons. There are even bonus tracks included from PlayOnline! As a special bonus, the first edition of the soundtrack will include an in–game item code redeemable for a "Spinet" — a Juenoan–styled keyboard furnishing that plays a song at random from a selection of eleven every time you enter your Mog House! Preorder exclusively at the Square Enix Store.

WHEN: Starts today, November 11, 2011.

RELATED LINKS

ABOUT FINAL FANTASY XI

Montréal (21 November, 2011) — The Square Enix Group, an integrated entertainment group, has today announced plans for further expansion in Montréal with the growth of its Eidos–Montréal studio and the creation of a new second studio, Square Enix Montréal, to open in 2012.

Eidos–Montréal, a studio which was established in 2007, released its first game, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION™; to critical acclaim (Metacritic score of 90% for PC and 89% for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 as of November 20, 2011) earlier this year. DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, which has to date shipped over 2 million units worldwide, firmly cemented the studio’s credentials in global development and delivered on its promise to produce AAA games. Eidos–Montréal will now create an additional 100 new jobs, driving work on a third AAA project at the studio, alongside the DEUS EX® and THIEF® franchises. The studio will also expand its state–of–the–art facilities, including in–house audio recording and motion tracking studios and a mini–theatre.

Plans unveiled today also confirmed the creation of Square Enix Montréal, a new second studio for the Square Enix Group in Montréal, which will open in 2012 and create 150 jobs. Tasked with building AAA games for tomorrow's audiences, the studio will be led by Lee Singleton, currently general manager of Square Enix London Studios. Singleton brings over 20 years studio management as well as direct development experience to this role.

The first project at Square Enix Montréal will be to work on a new premium quality game in the award-winning HITMAN® franchise. This further investment will expand the vision for the HITMAN franchise and mean that two studios will now be working on future HITMAN games: IO Interactive, a Square Enix studio based in Copenhagen, creator of the HITMAN franchise is currently developing HITMAN ABSOLUTION™ and now Square Enix Montréal also.

"Montréal is a vibrant centre of game creators with industry–leading talent, and one of the most important bases of our global network of game development within the Square Enix Group," said Yoichi Wada, president and chief executive officer, SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

"We believe in creating studios where passion for our games and gaming runs throughout and Eidos–Montréal is testament to this vision. The start up of a second studio brings a huge advantage to our business; we will nurture two separate studios with their own strengths, culture and appeal," said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. "All of this has been made possible by our fantastic partners in Invest Quebec and Montréal International and we look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with them."

Montréal International, whose mission includes attracting foreign investment to the Greater Montréal region, assisted the company at every key project step. "We will continue to support the development of both Square Enix studios and contribute to their success and growth in Greater Montréal, particularly by helping them recruit the talent they need," noted President and CEO of Montréal International, Jacques St–Laurent.

"In just four years Eidos–Montréal has achieved great success in delivering a top-selling and highly acclaimed first game, a feat only few other development studios share," said Stephane D’Astous, general manager, Eidos–Montreal. "We look to continue this high level of quality with future studio titles by providing our employees with a dynamic working environment, compelling projects and cutting edge resources and facilities, with the support of strong governmental partners."

"I’ve worked in games all of my life, it’s what I know and what I love and to be able to bring that passion and experience to Square Enix Montréal is very exciting," added Lee Singleton, general manager of Square Enix Montréal. "I want to create a studio that attracts passionate people, encourages innovation and gets the best out of the studio talent by empowering teams to make a difference."

To check out the latest studio news and to see and apply for open positions, please visit: www.eidosmontreal.com and www.square-enix-montreal.com respectively.

About Square Enix Group

The Square Enix Group leads a diverse range of content and service businesses as an integrated entertainment group. The Group develops, publishes, distributes and licenses entertainment content around the world under its internationally renowned brands including SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® and operates a global network of leading development studios located in North America, Europe and Japan. The Group also boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®.

More information on the Square Enix Group can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eng/.

About Eidos–Montréal

Founded in 2007, Eidos–Montréal is a leading video game development studio in Montreal. Embracing the philosophy to always pursue excellence in the development of games and create immersive, captivating experiences for players, Eidos–Montréal made its mark on the video game world with the release of its first video game, Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Eidos–Montréal is part of Square Enix Europe.

About Square Enix Montréal

Square Enix Montréal is an exciting new studio opening in 2012 that will be led by Lee Singleton, who has over 20 years of 'hands–on' development experience. For the past 3 years, Singleton has been leading Square Enix London Studios, a UK-based team which focuses on shaping and bringing to market great games from some of the world's most talented independent development teams. Recent games include Just Cause 2 with Avalanche Studios and Batman: Arkham Asylum with Rocksteady Studios.

LOS ANGELES (November 10, 2011) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, and GameStop today announced an exclusive pre–order program for FINAL FANTASY® XIII–2. Players will follow Serah as she ventures through time across various worlds in search of her lost sister, Lightning. FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 is developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and will be available in North America on Jan. 31, 2012.

PowerUp Rewards members who pre–order FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 at GameStop will receive the exclusive "Genji Bow" weapon for Serah. With a unique look for both its sword and bow forms, the Genji Bow allows the player to attack more frequently. The exclusive weapon is retroactive for existing pre–orders, as long as the customer is a PowerUp Rewards member and is purchased/picked up by Feb. 2, 2012.

For more information, visit: http://www.GameStop.com/finalfantasy.

Consumers who pre–order FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 at GameStop will receive an exclusive alternate costume for Serah, visible throughout the game.

FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 is the sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII, which has shipped 6.2 million units worldwide since its release in March 2010. The sequel has evolved beyond its predecessor, with an extraordinary level design encouraging exploration, an enhanced battle system allowing players to command monsters and a variety of options that support multiple playthroughs.

FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 will be available at North American retailers on January 31, 2012. FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

Related Links

About GameStop

GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME – News), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is the world's largest multichannel video game retailer. GameStop's retail network and family of brands include 6,627 company-operated stores in 17 countries worldwide and online at www.GameStop.com. The network also includes: www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser–based game site; Game Informer® magazine, the leading multi–platform video game publication; Spawn Labs, a streaming technology company; and a digital PC game distribution platform available at www.GameStop.com/PCGames.

General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website. Follow GameStop on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/GameStop and find GameStop on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/GameStop.

About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

WHAT: Square Enix's widely–acclaimed FINAL FANTASY® V role–playing game is available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system via the PlayStation®Network.

Originally released in Japan in 1992, FINAL FANTASY V would not be published in North America until 1999 as part of the FINAL FANTASY ANTHOLOGY on the PlayStation®. Now the hugely popular and critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY V returns, allowing players to indulge in a true gaming classic at home and on the move.

FINAL FANTASY V is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

WHEN: November 22, 2011

WHERE: PlayStation®Network

MSRP: $9.99

Additional information is available at http://www.square-enix.com/na/game/psn/.

LOS ANGELES (November 28, 2011) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, and Ubisoft® today announced Assassin's Creed Revelations will be lending one of its costume designs to FINAL FANTASY XIII–2.

The costume worn by Ezio Auditore, the main character in Assassin's Creed Revelations will be available as an optional outfit for Noel Kreiss, one of the main characters of FINAL FANTASY XIII–2, via downloadable content.

Release details for this downloadable content will be announced at a later date.

About FINAL FANTASY

Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. Titles of the series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of over 100 million units worldwide (as of June 2011).

About Assassin's Creed

Initially launched in 2007, the first three Assassin's Creed® games have sold more than 30 million units worldwide, and the franchise is now established as one of the best–selling series on next–generation consoles. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed has transcended video games, branching out into other entertainment experiences including comic books, Facebook® games, novels, short films and more.

Assassin's Creed Revelations is available now on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and the Windows PC version will be available on Dec. 1, 2011.

Related Links

About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.