Square Enix revealed on July 9 that it would be discontinuing SQUARE ENIX EXTREME EDGES, its international publishing arm, bringing an end to its 16-year run.
SQUARE ENIX EXTREME EDGES was established in 2010 with the goal of introducing overseas game titles to Japan. It played a key role in making numerous Western games popular locally, with standout examples being Call of Duty and the Life is Strange series. Other franchises it managed over the years include Tomb Raider, Hitman, and Deux Ex.
Square Enix’s move to shut down the label stems from shifts in the video game market and its increasing globalization. As stated in their official notice, “with overseas titles now widely accepted, there’s no longer a need to specifically label them as yōge” – yōge being the Japanese word for “Western games.”
Given that many video game titles are now designed for global releases from the outset, and overseas games are more accessible than ever, it appears Square Enix no longer sees the necessity of maintaining a dedicated label for Western games or giving them “special treatment” in today’s industry environment.
Although a specific closure date hasn’t been announced, Square Enix mentioned it would progressively halt social media activities after this announcement.