Square Enix is behind the likes of Final Fantasy. The franchise debuted in 1987 and is still relevant today. The developer is now focusing on remakes, the most recent one being Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

Another game in the trilogy will mark the completion of this remake, and then we might get to see a new entry in the franchise. However, it seems like Square Enix games haven’t been doing that well lately, as the company lost 27% of revenue after embracing censorship.

Why it matters: The Japanese publisher was involved with Sweet Baby Inc., the most controversial company in the gaming industry, but it recently cut ties with the consultant company.

Square Enix Has Faced A Massive Loss After Founding Ethics Department | Source: Grummz
Square Enix recently announced that its operating income has dropped by 27%, and Mark Kern, a former video game executive who also goes as Grummz, revealed that it has been happening ever since the company announced its ethics department that censors video games.

Square just announced losing 27% of it’s revenue so far, after founding their “ethics dept” to censor things.

-Grummz

He further states that Japanese game companies are now embracing DEI and argues that it will ruin them. It is concerning for such a legendary developer to constantly lose hefty revenue.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was heavily criticized for censorship. Tifa is one of the main selling points of the FF games, so many fans called out the giant for censoring her.

Square Enix has been reporting losses for a long time now as it has pretty high expectations for its IPS. While the gaming giant has faced many losses, it seems to be switching its strategies.

For starters, the company has ended its contract with Sweet Baby Inc., which the gamers appreciated. It is also now bringing many of its games to Xbox and might do day-one releases on PC.