Square Enix raises forecasts thanks to increased MMO revenues
James Batchelor
Editor-in-Chief
Thursday 24th February 2022
Square Enix
At a glance:
In its latest financial results, Square Enix has reported increases in sales across all divisions, with particularly strong performances seen from its MMO subsegment.
The Japanese publisher reported net sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2021 as ¥273.6 billion ($2.4 billion), up 8% year-on-year.
Operating income rose 22% to ¥50.1 billion ($436.7 million) while ordinary income rose 41% to ¥54.4 billion ($474.2 million).
Profit attributable to parent more than doubled, up 117% to ¥39.8 billion ($346.9 million)
The bulk of revenues were delivered by its Digital Entertainment segment, which handles its video game operations. Sales for this division rose 4% year-on-year to ¥211.7 billion ($1.8 billion) while operating income rose 17% to ¥49.4 billion ($430.6 million).
Games for smart devices and browsers remain the biggest revenue generators, with net sales getting the slightest uplift of 0.6% to ¥97.8 billion ($852.4 million).
The publisher notes that while existing mobile and browser titles actually saw weaker performance, this increase in sales can be attributed to a revision of revenue recognition standards.
Over in HD game sales, which encompasses its traditional PC and console games, sales are down 14% year-on-year, but as with its first-half results from November, this is due largely to a tough comparison with the prior year.
The first three quarters of its previous financial year saw the release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Marvel's Avengers, whereas the comparable release slate this fiscal year has hinged on Outriders, Nier Replicant and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.
While the latter launched to critical acclaim, the publisher said
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