The introduction of top-quality SQUARESOFT titles to the American market is the primary objective of Square Soft, Inc. Specifically, activities of Square Soft, Inc. entail the localization of titles and porting of titles from consumer machines to the PC.
Established in 1986, Square Co., Ltd. is the leading third party developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for the PlayStation game console, the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, and the PC, with annual sales of more than $687 million dollars and 1,200 employees worldwide. Baded in Japan, Square's success was founded with the 1987 release of the first title in the acclaimed FINAL FANTASY role-playing game (RPG) series. FINAL FANTASY IX had over 1 million units on reserve in a record-breaking 17 days in Japan, before the game was released in July 2000. FINAL FANTASY VIII, which was released in 1999 has sold more than 6.1 million units worldwide (Japan, North America, Europe). The entire FINAL FANTASY series has sold more than 30 million units worldwide to date.
Square's corporate heritage is based upon cutting-edge technology with motion picture visual effects wizardry. In addition to the FINAL FANTASY franchise, other products that have achieved "million-seller" status include SaGa Frontier and Legend of MANA. Furthermore, the title Parasite Eve has been recognized as the most cinematically advanced video game in the industry, while another Square title, Chrono Trigger, has made Square famous for exploring new realms in development, incorporating elements such as time travel and multiple endings all in one game.
In 1989, Square formally expanded into the North American market by establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary called Square Soft, Inc. Square Soft is located in Los Angeles, California, next to its sister companies, Square Pictures in Los Angeles and Square USA in Honolulu, Hawaii. FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN was produced at the Honolulu Studios and was the first computer generated animation featuring photo-real characters.
In 1998, Square joined forces with Electronic Arts to establish two joint venture companies, one in Japan and one in North America. Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. (Square Electronic Arts) located in Los Angeles has the exclusive publishing rights in North America for all interactive entertainment titles developed by Square. Square Soft, Inc. is the majority shareholder in Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. Square Soft and Square Electronic Arts are committed to developing and marketing innovative titles using creative techniques that will propel game play to new heights of interactivity and realism.
In late 1998, Square expanded its worldwide presence by establishing Square Europe Ltd., located in London, England. Square Europe has been granted exclusive publishing rights in Europe and other PAL territories for all interactive entertainment titles developed by Square.
In early 2000, Square announced its plans for "PlayOnline," a comprehensive network entertainment and community service which will supply online games, e-distribution and e-commerce services. PlayOnline launched in 2001. FINAL FANTASY XI will be the first online SQUARESOFT RPG. |
