Square Enix Inc., the creator of huge franchises such as Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest, has announced that they have entered a new partnership with another company. Gas Powered Games Corp. and Square Enix are entering what they are calling a "strategic partnership".
To consummate their joining, the companies are working on a sequel to the Supreme Commander, an award winning strategy-based series. The partnership is one of the first steps in hopes to increase western development efforts for the global market. Considering how Enix has exclusively worked with only Japanese based companies before this, a location outside of Japan comes as a bit of a shock. However, working with western companies is the going to be one of the "cornerstones" in creating games geared toward North American and European markets.
"We see great opportunities in North American and European markets, both of which are expected to be maintaining sustainable growth over these coming years," said Yoichi Wada, president and a representative of Square Enix Ltd. "Therefore, it is crucial we create alliances with proven developers such as Gas Powered Games in order to serve these significant markets better by providing products and services in tune with customer tastes."
John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix and Square Enix Ltd., Square Enix's sister company in U.K., says that, "We are extremely excited to begin working with Gas Powered Games' talented personnel and see this strategic partnership as a significant step in our efforts to bring Square Enix titles to a broader global audience."
Gas Powered games has created hit games such as Dungeon Siege and Supreme Commander, so they have clearly proven themselves as able of creating successful titles. Chris Taylor, chief executive officer of Gas Powered Games, says that, "It is truly a great honor to join forces with as renowned a developer and publisher as Square Enix. Everyone at Gas Powered Games is thrilled about this collaboration, and the results will surely delight video game fans around the world."
More on the collaboration and other Square Enix news can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na.