NA Press Releases

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 5, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today detailed the company's planned presence at this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC), to be held in San Francisco March 5 – 9. Square Enix participation will include several new hands–on media demos for the company's upcoming titles, participation in development panels, as well as major nominations for last year's smash, DEUS EX®: HUMAN REVOLUTION™, at the annual Game Developers Choice Awards.

Hit Square Enix games, including DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, Hitman: Absolution™ and SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE®, will be presented as part of insightful development panels during the Game Developers Conference. Details on each of these panels include:

Crowds in Hitman: Absolution

1. Speaker: Kasper Fauerby (IO Interactive)
2. Day / Time / Location: Wednesday 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Room 2006, West Hall, 2nd Floor
3. Description: A key requirement in Hitman: Absolution is to have very dense crowds which allow players to both interact with and influence the behavior of each individual character. This presentation describes the techniques and optimizations used to achieve the 1200+ character crowds present in Hitman: Absolution while still running at 30fps on current–gen consoles. We will provide an overview of our crowd implementation and discuss both the algorithms used as well as how gameplay considerations affected our design decisions. Throughout our presentation we'll demonstrate the discussed topics using videos from a real production level in Hitman: Absolution.

Reimagining a Classic: The Design Challenges of DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION

1. Speaker: Francois Lapikas (Eidos-Montréal / Square Enix)
2. Day / Time / Location: Wednesday 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Room 134, North Hall
3. Description: This lecture will offer an intimate look at what it meant to bring back to life a beloved franchise, from a design standpoint. Through examples taken from DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION's production, we'll discuss the challenges we faced, the decisions we made, and why the game ultimately turned out the way it did. Macro decisions as well as low–level mechanics will be discussed.

Five Techniques for Making an Unforgettable Game, Illustrated in SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE and GROOVE COASTER™

1. Speaker: Reisuke Ishida (TAITO Corporation)
2. Day / Time / Location: Wednesday 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Room 132, North Hall
3. Description: In this session, Ishida Reisuke discusses several techniques used in the development of SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE and GROOVE COASTER, which can help designers create unforgettable games that stand out in an overcrowded market. While both games were developed for iOS, these techniques are applicable to any gaming platform.

Square Enix also is represented at the Game Developer's Choice Awards (commencing Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the GDC Ballroom in South Hall). DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION gathered a Game of the Year nomination, while studio Eidos–Montréal was nominated for Best Debut.

Square Enix will host an off–site press event Wednesday and Thursday during GDC. Journalists will be able to try for themselves some of 2012's most anticipated titles as well as chat with development and company representatives about the lineup, which includes the latest project from Kim Swift, Quantum Conundrum™; the recently announced open–world action game Sleeping Dogs™; the first downloadable content (DLC) for the recent hit FINAL FANTASY® XIII–2; the upcoming action–RPG HEROES OF RUIN™ for Nintendo 3DS™ system; and a chance to jump straight into the innovative, turn–based MMORPG WAKFU®, now available for PC, Mac and Linux.

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 59 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/.

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 8, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced that PSICOM Officer Jihl Nabaat will be available as a downloadable coliseum opponent for FINAL FANTASY® XIII–2 on March 13 via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft priced at 240 Microsoft Points, and via PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 system priced at $2.99.

Also announced is the DLC episode "Lightning's Story: Requiem of the Goddess" that reveals the battle scene of Lightning and Caius not shown in the main game. The episode is currently planned for a mid–May release; other details including pricing will be announced at a later time.

Additionally, new weapons for both Noel and Serah are now available for download. Noel's Muramasa and Catastrophe Blade, and Serah's Seraphic Wing are now available via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 priced at 80 Microsoft Points, and via PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 system priced at $0.99.

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WHAT: Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced today that a free update to the first chapter of Imaginary Range™, is now available for download on the iPhone®, iPod® touch, and iPad® platforms.

The update brings two brand–new mini–games, Chocobo Chaser and Sphere Bounce. Additionally, Omega Blast, the popular game from Chapter 1, has been powered up and remade into Omega Burst. New features include the ability to check and update Facebook® and Twitter® while reading the comic, and competing with players around the world for top score via the Apple Game Center.

Imaginary Range is a full–color comic that includes a selection of mini–games inserted within the flow of the plot, immersing gamers alongside the cast as they proceed through the story. The project was overseen by Motomu Toriyama, director of FINAL FANTASY® XIII, written by Souki Tsukishima, author of the novel Emeth: Ningyo–tsukai no Shima, and designed by Toshiyuki Itahana, character designer for the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES® series.

WHEN: Available Now

WHERE: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imaginary-range/id429362380?mt=8

MSRP: Free

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LOS ANGELES (Mar. 20, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced that the Standard Edition of the blockbuster action–RPG video game, DEUS EX®: HUMAN REVOLUTION™, is now available on Games on Demand for the Xbox® 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The acclaimed DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION reinvents one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time. In DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, the year is 2027–– a time of great innovation in neuroprosthetics, but also a time of chaos, conspiracy and a new social divide. Adam Jensen, a man cybernetically augmented against his own choice, finds himself in the middle of a mysterious, global plot to which he holds the key. By offering players multiple and vastly different ways to play, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION challenges the foundations of gaming and provides an immersive experience where every choice has a lasting consequence.

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION is available on this platform for $29.99/2400 Microsoft Points.

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION is also available on PlayStation®Network, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox® 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PCs. DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION for the Mac platform is to be released in 2012.

For more information about DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, log on to http://www.deusex.com.

About Eidos–Montreal

Founded in 2007, Eidos–Montreal 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–Montreal made its mark on the video game world with the release of its first video game, the critically acclaimed and best–selling Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Eidos–Montreal is part of Square Enix Europe.

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 59 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/.

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 22, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, and BioWare today announced that Commander Shepard's N7 armor design will be available as an optional costume for FINAL FANTASY® XIII–2. The N7 Armor will be available for the main characters, Serah Farron and Noel Kreiss.

The latest downloadable content will be available on March 27 via Xbox® LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox® 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft priced at 240 Microsoft Points each and via PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 system priced at $2.99 each.

Additionally, the humorous duo Ultros and Typhon from FINAL FANTASY VI, will be available as coliseum opponents for FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 on March 27.

A special promotion for customers purchasing FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 is now available at participating retailers, including Amazon.com. For each purchase, FINAL FANTASY XIII is offered free of charge until March 31. A separate $20 discount promotion is offered by Gamestop for FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 from March 21 through April 3.

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).

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About SQUARE ENIX, Inc.

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 59 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/.

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 22, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced THEATRHYTHM™ FINAL FANTASY® (pronounced "theater rhythm") exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS™ hand–held system. This year marks the 25th anniversary of FINAL FANTASY, and THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY is the first music rhythm game in the history of the world famous franchise.

Developed by rhythm game veteran indieszero, SQUARE ENIX brings more than 70 musical scores spanning 25 years to THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY. The title features music from key events, lush field themes and decisive battle arrangements.

THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY features a hybrid of music rhythm gameplay with RPG elements. Adorably re–designed heroes from the catalogue of FINAL FANTASY titles will set out on an adventure to combat memorable villains with the rhythmic taps of the player’s stylus. Players can:

1. Revisit their most cherished memories from each FINAL FANTASY title
2. Strive to achieve the highest ranks in the challenge mode
3. Collect and share "dark notes," a random music sheet that is riddled with hidden loot within the Chaos Shrine
4. Seek out crystal shards to unlock hidden characters

Product Summary

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

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. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the FINAL FANTASY series has achieved a cumulative shipment of over 100 million units worldwide.

About SQUARE ENIX, Inc.

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 59 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/.

Greetings,

From today until Monday March 26, new and existing Steam members can grab Square Enix back catalogue and recently released games at a fraction of the usual prices.

The promotion includes 50% off all Square Enix games and DLC packs throughout the sale period with a number of additional Daily Deals running throughout the promotion. Kicking off the Daily Deals, and for one day only starting today there’s a tempting 75% off all previously released Hitman games. Further details of each Daily Deal will be revealed on the day via Steam and Square Enix members.

In addition Square Enix is offering a Hit Collection game bundle comprising over 15 classic games including Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Tomb Raider: Legend, Just Cause 2, Thief: Deadly Shadows and Hitman: Blood Money, all for one low price.

http://store.steampowered.com/

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 29, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced its roster of games for this year's Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East, set to take place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (Booth #850), from April 6–8.

PAX East attendees are invited to preview and play the following Square Enix titles:

1. Sleeping Dogs™ — the free–roaming, undercover thriller set in Hong Kong's Triad underworld will feature a playable demo that encapsulates the game's combat, narrative, driving and open world elements.
2. THEATRHYTHM™ FINAL FANTASY® — the first–ever music–themed title that commemorates the FINAL FANTASY franchise’s 25th anniversary merges rhythm and role–playing game genres.
3. Quantum Conundrum™ — show attendees will be among the first members of the community to play the first–person environmental puzzle game from Airtight Games and Kim Swift, co–creator of Portal.
4. HEROES OF RUIN™ — visitors who demo the epic action–adventure title for Nintendo 3DS™ system can receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win their very own Nintendo 3DS™ system; those who upload photos of themselves with hero weaponry props (available at booth) to their own Facebook page can earn another raffle ticket for the drawing.
5. WAKFU® — the recently launched MMORPG from Ankama Studios offers attendees the chance to demo 12 available classes. Upon request, the first 1,500 visitors will receive an exclusive PAX East in–game item, as well as two weeks of free premium game time. Fans will also be eligible to spin the WAKFU Prize Wheel for a chance to win branded merchandise.
6. Risen 2: Dark Waters™ — player decisions will help shape their world in the next installment of Deep Silver's open world RPG. Featuring a swashbuckling pirate theme, a hands–on demo awaits intrepid buccaneers at the Square Enix booth.

Additionally, Square Enix will host an exclusive evening panel, featuring a gameplay demo and Q&A session with IO Interactive for the much–anticipated fifth entry in the classic HITMAN® franchise, HITMAN: ABSOLUTION™. Panel details include:

1. Speaker: Roberto Marchesi (Art Director, IO Interactive)
2. Day / Time / Location: Saturday, April 7, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Manticore Theater

Finally, Square Enix will celebrate PAX East with a joint HITMAN: ABSOLUTION and Sleeping Dogs themed event at Boston’s famed Faneuil Hall on the evening of Friday, April 6. A PAX East badge and legal identification will be required for this 21 and over event.

About SQUARE ENIX, Inc.

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 59 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/.