Tag: japanese mobile games

Square Enix to embrace mobile games

| June 27, 2013

Square Enix to move away from traditional games toward mobile games

Japanese game publisher and developer Square Enix has been a powerful name in the game industry for several years. The company is responsible for some of the most beloved franchises in the industry, but has recently begun to struggle with its most recent titles and endeavors. This is largely due to the fact that gaming is changing, as are the gamers. As older gamers give way to a new generation, Square Enix is finding that more people are inclined to play games on their mobile devices. In an effort to retain its place in the game industry, Square Enix has begun to set its sights on mobile games.

A new generation spurs a new focus for the developer

The developer has announced that it will be transitioning away from the big-budget games that had made it famous in the past. While Square Enix will not be abandoning its efforts to make such games, much of the company’s focus will be attributed to mobile games. This new focus will not only affect the company’s publishing initiatives but also the development aspect.

Mobile Games - Square EnixMobile games may help Square Enix connect with a new generation of gamers

The company has high hopes for mobile games, largely due to the popularity of these games with consumers. The success that mobile games represent is most evident among independent developers. Games like Angry Birds and Temple Run have become unexpected phenomena in the game industry and both of these games have proven to be strong revenue streams for their developers. Square Enix believes that mobile games can help it overcome the failures of its past and make it a more recognizable name with a new generation of gamers.

Company likely to face many challenges

Mobile games are popular, but there are many challenges that exist in moving away from traditional, big-budget projects. The first involves the relatively low attention span that consumers have when it comes to mobile games. Another challenge is represented by the fact that mobile games must often include micro-transactions in order to generate a profit, a practice that is somewhat controversial among gamers.

Mobile games from GREE coming to the US

| February 8, 2013

Mobile Games GREEGREE sets sights on US market for new mobile games

Japanese mobile games giant GREE has managed to conquer much of the gaming market in Asia. The company is behind some of the most popular mobile games that can be found in that region of the world, and has a very strong presence in social gaming as well. While GREE has seen a massive amount of success, the company is beginning to look toward expansion, and believes that the U.S. market is ripe for the taking.

GREE continues aggressive expansion efforts

GREE currently has a modest presence in the U.S. mobile games realm, but that is not stopping it from taking aggressive steps to bolster this presence. GREE has been acquiring several game development studios in the U.S., such as Funzio, recently in the effort to prepare for the launch of new mobile games. The company has also been increasing its staff. GREE International had a staff of only 12 people in 2011, and now boasts of a workforce 400 strong. With progress being seen throughout the companies numerous sectors, GREE is beginning to mobilize for its entry into foreign markets.

Tablets will be a strong focus for the company

GREE has a particular interest in tablets for its mobile games. The company notes that tablets are becoming more popular among consumers because of their enhanced capabilities over smart phones and other mobile devices. Larger screens offer higher fidelity images, while strong processors and GPUs allow gamers to experience games with higher quality animations and performance. GREE has ambitious for releasing collectible-style card games for these devices and will focus heavily on this genre for its entry into the U.S. market.

Mobile games continue to prove popular

Mobile games have become a lucrative and popular market for the game industry. Developers throughout the industry has found significant success through their focus on mobile games, adding further momentum to the performance of the market. Consumers have shown that they are willing to play mobile games of all types, and many are open to new experiences that are either absent in the current market or somewhat underrepresented.